The Hebrew word millôwʼ, represented by H4407, refers to a rampart or citadel, often translated simply as Millo. The term comes from a root meaning "to fill in." It appears 10 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible, consistently denoting a significant structure or fortification.
In the biblical narrative, Millo H4407 is primarily featured as a key component of major royal construction and fortification projects. King David is recorded as having built round about from Millo inward after capturing the fort of Zion 2 Samuel 5:9. Later, King Solomon's extensive building activities included the construction of Millo (1 Kings 9:15, 1 Kings 9:24), a project so significant that it was cited as a cause for later strife 1 Kings 11:27. Centuries later, King Hezekiah repaired Millo as part of his efforts to strengthen Jerusalem's defenses 2 Chronicles 32:5. The term also appears in connection with the "house of Millo" in Shechem, whose people were involved in making Abimelech king Judges 9:6 and were later cursed Judges 9:20.
Several related words clarify the function and context of Millo H4407 as a constructed defense:
- H1129 bânâh (to build): This verb is repeatedly used to describe the construction of Millo. David built from Millo 2 Samuel 5:9, Solomon built it as part of his major projects 1 Kings 9:15, and Hezekiah built up the wall when he repaired it 2 Chronicles 32:5.
- H2346 chôwmâh (a wall of protection): Millo is frequently mentioned in conjunction with the city wall. Solomon's levy was for building the house of the LORD, his own house, Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem 1 Kings 9:15.
- H2388 châzaq (to strengthen, repair, fortify): This word highlights the defensive purpose of Millo. Hezekiah strengthened himself and repaired Millo to fortify the city 2 Chronicles 32:5.
- H6556 perets (a break, breach, gap): The construction of Millo was sometimes a direct response to vulnerabilities. Solomon built Millo and repaired the breaches of the city of David 1 Kings 11:27.
The significance of Millo H4407 is tied to the physical establishment and security of the Israelite kingdom.
- Royal Fortification and Responsibility: The building and repairing of Millo was a significant act of kingship. It was a primary project for Solomon 1 Kings 9:15 and a key defensive repair for Hezekiah 2 Chronicles 32:5, demonstrating a monarch's duty to fortify the capital.
- Symbol of the City of David: Millo was an integral part of Jerusalem's identity. David began building from Millo when he established his city 2 Samuel 5:9, and later work on it was described as repairing the "breaches of the city of David" 1 Kings 11:27.
- A Site of Conflict and Judgment: The structure was also a focal point for internal conflict. Solomon's building project on Millo was a cause for rebellion 1 Kings 11:27. The "house of Millo" was involved in a conspiracy to make Abimelech king Judges 9:6 and was the location where King Joash was slain by his own servants 2 Kings 12:20.
In summary, millôwʼ H4407 is more than just a place name; it represents a critical piece of military and civil infrastructure in ancient Israel. As a rampart or citadel, its construction and repair by kings like David, Solomon, and Hezekiah signified royal power and the strategic defense of Jerusalem. It stands as a testament to the physical efforts required to build and secure the kingdom, while also serving as a backdrop for significant political and historical events.
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