Millo
“Filling, Mound”
Summary
A fortification or fill structure in Jerusalem, strengthened by David and Solomon and site of King Joash's assassination.
☩Location and Nature
The Hebrew word millo means 'filling' or 'mound,' suggesting an earthwork fortification or filled-in area. It was likely a bastion strengthening Jerusalem's defenses, possibly a filled ravine between the original City of David and the temple area. Some identify it with the stepped stone structure discovered in excavations.
☩Royal Building
David 'built round about from Millo and inward' (2 Samuel 5:9; 1 Chronicles 11:8). Solomon later repaired it: 'This is the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo' (1 Kings 9:15). The building of Millo consumed Israelite labor.
☩Joash's Assassination
King Joash 'was come down to the house of Millo' when 'his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla' (2 Kings 12:20-21). This royal structure became the site of regicide, perhaps because its fortified nature made it seem a secure location for the king.
