millo Summary and Overview

(Heb. always with the article, "the" Millo). (1.) Probably the Canaanite name of some fortification, consisting of walls filled in with earth and stones, which protected Jerusalem on the north as its outermost defence. It is always rendered Akra i.e., "the citadel", in the LXX. It was already existing when David conquered Jerusalem (2 Sam. 5:9). He extended it to the right and left, thus completing the defence of the city. It was rebuilt by Solomon (1 Kings 9:15, 24; 11:27) and repaired by Hezekiah (2 Chr. 32:5). (2.) In Judg. 9:6, 20 it is the name of a rampart in Shechem, probably the "tower of Shechem" (9:46, 49).

(a rampart, mound) a place in ancient Jerusalem. Both name and place seem to have been already in existence when the city was taken from the Jebusites by David. #2Sa 5:9; 1Ch 11:8| Its repair or restoration was one of the great works for which Solomon raised his "levy," #1Ki 9:15,24; 11:27| and it formed a prominent part of the fortifications by which Hezekiah prepared for the approach of the Assyrians. #2Ch 32:5| The last passage seems to show that "the Milo" was part of the "city of David," that is, of Zion. Comp. #2Ki 12:20|

MIL'LO (a mound, rampart). "Millo" is used for a part of the citadel of Jerusalem, probably the rampart, or entrenchment. 2 Sam 5:9; 1 Kgs 9:15, 1 Kgs 9:24; 1 Kgs 11:27; 1 Chr 11:8. The same, or part of it, was probably the "house of Millo;" margin "Beth Millo." 2 Kgs 12:20; 2 Chr 32:5. Some think it means the "stronghold of Zion." Lewin suggests that it refers to the whole of the temple enclosure, while Conder curiously suggests that, from its root, it may mean a pool. The first seems the more probable view. Millet (Sorghum Vulgare)

Hebrew "THE Millo." On taking the Jehusites' citadel David "built the city (Jerusalem) from the Millo round about" (2 Samuel 5:9; 1 Chronicles 11:8). Solomon raised his levy to repair Millo (1 Kings 9:15; 1 Kings 9:24; 1 Kings 11:27). So Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:5). It was part of "the city of David". (See JERUSALEM.) Septuagint translated Millo "the citadel." Probably an aboriginal term adopted by Israel. Near the Tyropoeon valley, dividing Jerusalem (2 Kings 12:20). Probably a tower; for in Judges 9:6; Judges 9:46; Judges 9:49 Millo is interchanged with Migdal, "a tower." The name may mean filling; it filled up (completed) the fortification of the city of David. On the N.W. corner of the wall, on the slope of the Tyropoeon valley, where Zion had least height and needed strengthening.