King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 5:9 Mean?

“So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.”

Context

Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house. Wherefore: or, Because they had said, even the blind and the lame, He shall not come into the house

So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him. went: Heb. went, going and growing

And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons : and they built David an house. masons: Heb. hewers of the stone of the wall

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **The fort.**—The same word as *strong hold *in 2Samuel 5:7. **Millo.**—A word always used in Hebrew with the definite article (except in Judges 9:6; Judges 9:20), *the Millo. *It is probably an old Canaanitish name for the fortification on the northern end of Mount Zion, “inward” from which the palace was situated. Subsequent kings, as Solomon (1Kings 11:27) and Hezekiah (2Chronicles 32:5), saw its importance and added to its strength. On all other sides Zion was protected by precipitous ravines. There is, however, some difference of opinion about the topography of ancient Jerusalem.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 5:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.