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The Millo

a Hebrew word always used with the article “the” (the Millo)

Hebrew: מִלּוֹא —transliteration: millow' —meaning: a rampart (a defensive wall) or citadel —occurrences: 10

This was the name of two Biblical places.

  1. Millo, 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 defense

    It is always rendered Akra i.e., “the citadel”, in the Septuagint.

    It first mentioned as being part of the City of David in 2 Samuel 5:9; 1 Kings 9:15 and 1 Chronicles 11:8.

    Previously it seems to have been a rampart built by the Jebusites prior to Jerusalem’s being conquered by the Israelites. It already existed when David conquered Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:9). He extended it to the right and left, to complete the defense fortifications of the city.

    It was later rebuilt by his son King Solomon (1 Kings 9:15, 24; 11:27) and later repaired by King Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:5).

    It is generally believed to be a stepped stone support structure built of fill material.

  2. The millo of Judges 9:6, 20

    A rampart in the city of Shechem was called the millo. It is probably the “tower of Shechem” (9:46, 49).

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Article Version: January 24, 2025