from סָלַל; an embankment; Silla, a place in Jerusalem; Silla.
Transliteration:Çillâʼ
Pronunciation:sil-law'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Çillâʼ (`{{H5538}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical designation, derived from the verb *salal* (`{{H5549}}`), which means "to lift up," "to cast up," or "to make a highway." The base definition of Çillâʼ therefore points to an "embankment," "raised way," or "causeway." This etymological root implies a structure that is elevated, built up, or filled in, often for purposes of passage, fortification, or drainage. As a specific place name, Çillâʼ refers to a known location within Jerusalem, indicating a physical feature of the city's topography that was likely a prominent or significant raised structure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Çillâʼ (`{{H5538}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Kings 12:20]]. The verse recounts the assassination of King Joash by his own servants: "And his servants arose and made a conspiracy and struck Joash at the house of Millo, on the way down to Silla."
The context places Silla as a specific landmark in Jerusalem, closely associated with "the house of Millo" (Beth-Millo). The Millo (`{{H4407}}`) itself was a significant architectural feature of Jerusalem, often understood as a "fill," "rampart," or "citadel," likely part of the city's defenses or royal complex, dating back to the Jebusite city and later incorporated by David and Solomon. The phrase "on the way down to Silla" suggests Silla was situated at a lower elevation relative to the Beth-Millo, or that a path led from the Millo *towards* Silla. Given its etymological meaning of "embankment" or "raised way," Silla could have been a fortified causeway, a raised street, or a defensive rampart leading to or from a gate or a specific area within the city. The mention of this precise location underscores the historicity of the event, grounding the narrative of the regicide in the known topography of ancient Jerusalem. The conspiracy and assassination occur not in an obscure corner but at a recognizable and perhaps strategically significant point within the royal or administrative precincts.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical relationship for Çillâʼ (`{{H5538}}`) is its root verb *salal* (`{{H5549}}`), which conveys the action of "casting up," "heaping up," or "making a highway." This root is used to describe the construction of roads (e.g., [[Isaiah 62:10]]), preparing a way for the Lord (e.g., [[Isaiah 40:3]]), or building siege ramps (e.g., [[Jeremiah 6:6]]).
Other related concepts include:
* **Millo (`{{H4407}}`):** Frequently translated as "rampart" or "fortress," the Millo was a significant defensive and structural feature of Jerusalem, often understood as a terraced fill or a fortified area. Its direct association with Silla in [[2 Kings 12:20]] suggests a functional or geographical proximity, both being elements of Jerusalem's infrastructure or fortifications.
* **Fortifications and City Planning:** Words related to "wall" (e.g., *chomah* `{{H2346}}`), "tower" (e.g., *migdal* `{{H4026}}`), and "gate" (e.g., *sha'ar* `{{H8179}}`) are conceptually linked, as an "embankment" like Silla would have been integral to the city's defensive or circulatory systems.
* **Pathways and Roads:** The root *salal* (`{{H5549}}`) inherently connects to the idea of a "way" or "path," emphasizing the constructed nature of such routes.
### Theological Significance
While Çillâʼ (`{{H5538}}`) itself, as a mere geographical marker, does not carry direct theological doctrine, its singular mention in the biblical narrative offers several insights:
1. **Historicity and Specificity:** The precise naming of "Silla" alongside "Beth-Millo" grounds the account of King Joash's assassination in the verifiable topography of ancient Jerusalem. This specificity underscores the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and its portrayal of events within concrete, identifiable settings. It reinforces the understanding that biblical narratives are not abstract tales but accounts of real events in real places.
2. **Vulnerability Amidst Security:** The assassination of King Joash occurs within the city, near significant structures like the Millo and Silla, which were likely part of the royal precinct or defensive works. This highlights the ironic truth that even within seemingly secure or fortified places, human treachery and divine judgment can penetrate. No earthly stronghold can ultimately protect against the consequences of sin or the sovereign will of God.
3. **Divine Providence in Human Affairs:** Though the text focuses on human conspiracy, the inclusion of such detailed geographical information subtly points to the unfolding of God's purposes within the complex tapestry of human history. The specific location becomes a silent witness to a pivotal moment in the monarchy of Judah, an event that shaped the subsequent history of the kingdom.
### Summary
Çillâʼ (`{{H5538}}`) denotes an "embankment" or "raised way," deriving from the verb *salal* (`{{H5549}}`), meaning "to cast up" or "to make a highway." Its sole appearance in the biblical text is in [[2 Kings 12:20]], where it is identified as a specific location in Jerusalem, near the "house of Millo," where King Joash was assassinated. This single occurrence establishes Silla as a known topographical feature, likely a part of the city's fortifications or a significant thoroughfare. While not bearing direct theological doctrine, its inclusion underscores the historical grounding of biblical narratives, the vulnerability of human power even in fortified spaces, and the unfolding of divine providence within the detailed reality of human events.
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