Beth-Millo
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Introduction:
Beth-millo is a term found in the Old Testament, referring to a specific location or structure associated with ancient Jerusalem. The name "Beth-millo" is often translated as "house of the fill" or "house of the rampart," indicating its possible function or construction. It is mentioned in the context of fortifications and significant events in the history of Israel.

Biblical References:
Beth-millo is mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of the city of Jerusalem and its fortifications.

1. Judges 9:6, 20 · In the narrative of Abimelech, the son of Gideon, Beth-millo is mentioned as the place where the men of Shechem and Beth-millo gathered to make Abimelech king. This indicates that Beth-millo was a significant location for political gatherings and decisions. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then all the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo gathered beside the great tree at the pillar in Shechem to make Abimelech king."

2. 2 Samuel 5:9 · This passage describes King David's conquest of Jerusalem and his subsequent fortification of the city. The BSB notes: "So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built up the area around it, from the supporting terraces inward." The term "supporting terraces" is often understood to refer to Beth-millo, suggesting its role in the city's defenses.

3. 1 Kings 9:15, 24 · In the account of Solomon's building projects, Beth-millo is mentioned in the context of fortifying Jerusalem. The BSB records: "This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon conscripted to build the house of the LORD, his own palace, the supporting terraces, the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer." Here, Beth-millo is associated with the extensive construction efforts undertaken by Solomon to strengthen the city's infrastructure.

4. 2 Kings 12:20 · The assassination of King Joash is linked to Beth-millo. The BSB states: "His servants conspired against him and killed Joash at Beth-millo, on the road that goes down to Silla." This indicates that Beth-millo was not only a structural feature but also a notable landmark within the city.

Historical and Archaeological Insights:
Beth-millo is believed to have been a significant part of Jerusalem's fortifications, possibly serving as a rampart or a filled-in area that provided additional strength to the city's defenses. Archaeological excavations in Jerusalem have uncovered various structures and fortifications that may correspond to the biblical descriptions of Beth-millo. These findings suggest that Beth-millo played a crucial role in the military and political history of ancient Jerusalem.

Theological Significance:
Beth-millo's mention in the context of key biblical events highlights its importance in the narrative of Israel's history. It serves as a backdrop for significant political and military developments, reflecting the ongoing struggle for power and security in the region. The references to Beth-millo in the context of David's and Solomon's reigns underscore the importance of strong leadership and the fortification of the city as a means of ensuring the stability and prosperity of the nation.

Conclusion:
Beth-millo, as referenced in the Old Testament, represents a critical component of Jerusalem's ancient fortifications and a site of significant historical events. Its role in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of strategic locations in the unfolding account of Israel and its leaders.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BETH-MILLO

beth-mil'-o.

See JERUSALEM.

Strong's Hebrew
1037. Beth Millo -- "house of earthwork," a place near Shechem ...
Beth Millo. 1036, 1037. Beth Millo. 1038 . "house of earthwork," a
place near Shechem, also a citadel in Jer. Transliteration ...
/hebrew/1037.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Bethmillo
Bethmillo. Beth-merhak, Bethmillo. Beth-millo . Int. ...BETH-MILLO. beth-mil'-o.
See JERUSALEM. Beth-merhak, Bethmillo. Beth-millo . Reference Bible.
/b/bethmillo.htm - 6k

Beth-millo (3 Occurrences)
Beth-millo. Bethmillo, Beth-millo. Bethnimrah . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BETH-MILLO. ... (See JPS). Bethmillo, Beth-millo. Bethnimrah . Reference Bible
/b/beth-millo.htm - 7k

Townsmen (18 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Judges 9:6 And all the townsmen of Shechem and all Beth-millo came together
and went and made Abimelech their king, by the oak of the pillar in Shechem. ...
/t/townsmen.htm - 12k

Citizens (28 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:6 And all the citizens of Shechem came together, and all Beth-millo, and
they went and made Abim'elech king, by the oak of the pillar at Shechem. ...
/c/citizens.htm - 15k

Abim'elech (58 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:6 And all the citizens of Shechem came together, and all Beth-millo, and
they went and made Abim'elech king, by the oak of the pillar at Shechem. ...
/a/abim'elech.htm - 22k

Millo (9 Occurrences)
... millo generally interpreted to mean a "filling," eg a solid tower or an earth
embankment; in Judges 9:6, 20 2 Kings 12:20, we get bethmillo', translated in ...
/m/millo.htm - 14k

Beth (115 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:6 And all the townsmen of Shechem and all Beth-millo came together and
went and made Abimelech their king, by the oak of the pillar in Shechem. ...
/b/beth.htm - 40k

Bethnimrah (2 Occurrences)

/b/bethnimrah.htm - 8k

Shechem (61 Occurrences)
... It seems along with the Beth-millo and the Beth-el-berith to have comprised the
three strongest parts of the fortification when Abimelech besieged the town. ...
/s/shechem.htm - 38k

Beth-merhak (1 Occurrence)
Beth-merhak. Bethmerhak, Beth-merhak. Bethmillo . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
(ASV JPS). Bethmerhak, Beth-merhak. Bethmillo . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-merhak.htm - 7k

Resources
Who was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Does the Bible say anything about Russia in relation to the end times? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Beth-millo (3 Occurrences)

Judges 9:6
And all the townsmen of Shechem and all Beth-millo came together and went and made Abimelech their king, by the oak of the pillar in Shechem.
(BBE DBY JPS NAS RSV)

Judges 9:20
But if not, may fire come out from Abimelech, burning up the townsmen of Shechem and Beth-millo; and may fire come out from the townsmen of Shechem and Beth-millo, for the destruction of Abimelech.
(BBE DBY JPS NAS RSV)

2 Kings 12:20
And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and smote Joash at the house of Millo, on the way that goeth down to Silla.
(See JPS)

Subtopics

Beth-Millo

Related Terms

Beth-nimrah (2 Occurrences)

Fenced (61 Occurrences)

Bethabara (1 Occurrence)

Betharam (1 Occurrence)

Bethharan (1 Occurrence)

Beth-millo (3 Occurrences)

Edge (150 Occurrences)

Border (233 Occurrences)

Bethmillo
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