1 Chronicles 11:8 kjv
And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.
1 Chronicles 11:8 nkjv
And he built the city around it, from the Millo to the surrounding area. Joab repaired the rest of the city.
1 Chronicles 11:8 niv
He built up the city around it, from the terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city.
1 Chronicles 11:8 esv
And he built the city all around from the Millo in complete circuit, and Joab repaired the rest of the city.
1 Chronicles 11:8 nlt
He extended the city from the supporting terraces to the surrounding area, while Joab rebuilt the rest of Jerusalem.
1 Chronicles 11 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Sam 5:9 | So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward. | Parallel account of David's building of Jerusalem. |
| 1 Chr 11:7 | And David dwelt in the castle; therefore they called it the city of David. | Immediately preceding context, David establishing the city. |
| 1 Chr 11:6 | For Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and therefore he was chief. | Joab's merit and appointment as chief commander. |
| 1 Kgs 9:15 | And 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... | Solomon's rebuilding/fortifying Millo, showing its importance. |
| 1 Kgs 11:27 | And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo... | Millo's construction a point of contention with Jeroboam. |
| 2 Chr 32:5 | Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo... | Hezekiah also repairing Millo, indicating its crucial role. |
| Neh 3:1 | Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate... | Example of post-exilic city rebuilding in Jerusalem. |
| Neh 3:34 | But Sanballat and Tobiah...said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall. | Opposition to rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. |
| Ps 127:1 | Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. | Emphasizes God's sovereign hand in all building efforts. |
| Isa 58:12 | And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations... | Prophecy of spiritual and physical restoration. |
| Ezek 36:33 | Thus saith the Lord God; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded. | Prophecy of God rebuilding ruined cities of Israel. |
| Amos 9:11 | In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old. | Prophecy of spiritual and national restoration under a new Davidic king. |
| Acts 15:16 | After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down... | NT application of Amos 9:11 to Christ and the Church. |
| Prov 24:3 | Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: | Building requires wisdom, echoing the skill used here. |
| Ecc 3:3 | A time to break down, and a time to build up; | Recognition of cycles of destruction and construction. |
| Gen 10:11 | Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh... | Early example of building cities after the flood. |
| John 2:20 | Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? | Example of a major building project (the Temple). |
| Eph 2:20-22 | And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone... | Believers are being built together as a spiritual temple. |
| 1 Cor 3:10-11 | According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon... | Paul as a builder in spiritual work, lays foundation of Christ. |
| Heb 11:10 | For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. | Focus on the heavenly city built by God, a contrast and ideal. |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house... | Believers being built into God's spiritual house. |
1 Chronicles 11 verses
1 Chronicles 11 8 Meaning
The verse states that King David undertook significant building projects in Jerusalem after capturing it, fortifying the city from the strategically important Millo area all around. Concurrently, Joab, his military commander, was responsible for extensive repairs and restoration of the remaining parts of the city.
1 Chronicles 11 8 Context
This verse appears directly after David captures the stronghold of Zion from the Jebusites and makes it his permanent capital, calling it the City of David (1 Chr 11:4-7). Having established his authority by conquest, David immediately turns to solidify his kingdom through architectural development and fortification. It signals the beginning of Jerusalem's rise as the political and religious center of Israel. The inclusion of Joab highlights the early collaboration and delegated authority within David's nascent administration. This passage emphasizes David's industriousness and leadership in establishing a secure capital, which would eventually house the Ark of the Covenant and serve as the site for the future Temple.
1 Chronicles 11 8 Word analysis
- And he built: "He" refers to David. The Hebrew verb "בּנה" (banah) means "to build," "establish," or "rebuild." This signifies an active, deliberate act of creation and establishment. It underscores David's proactive role in securing and developing his newly acquired capital, demonstrating leadership and foresight beyond mere military conquest.
- the city: Refers to Jerusalem, specifically the area captured from the Jebusites, often called "Zion" or "the stronghold of Zion." Its transformation from a foreign fortress to Israel's divinely chosen capital is central to the Chronicler's narrative.
- round about: Implies a comprehensive and extensive building effort, encircling and fortifying the entire city. It suggests security, protection, and completeness.
- even from Millo: "Millo" (מּלּוֹא, Millo') literally means "filling" or "rampart." It likely refers to a terraced structure, possibly a filled-in valley or a fortified bastion on the steep eastern slope of Ophel, connected to the Jebusite city. It was a crucial defensive and structural element in Jerusalem. David's construction starting "from Millo" signifies he began with the most challenging or critical part of the existing fortifications, demonstrating the scale and strategic importance of his work. Its later mention under Solomon and Hezekiah highlights its enduring significance as a defensive point.
- and Joab repaired: "Joab" was David's skilled and fierce commander of the army (1 Chr 11:6). His involvement signifies delegated authority and the integration of military expertise into civil engineering. The Hebrew verb "חיה" (chayah) in the Hiphil form used here literally means "to cause to live," "restore to life," or "revive." In this context, it implies not merely superficial repairs, but a thorough, vigorous restoration and strengthening of the existing structures.
- the rest of the city: This refers to parts of Jerusalem beyond David's primary, foundational building work centered around Millo. It suggests that while David focused on key fortifications and expansions, there were existing parts of the city that required significant restoration and repair, perhaps due to neglect under Jebusite rule or damage from the conquest. Joab's role was to make the older or peripheral parts functional and secure, completing David's overall vision for a unified and robust capital.
1 Chronicles 11 8 Bonus section
The Chronicler's emphasis on David's and Joab's building efforts serves several purposes beyond historical record. It highlights the divine favor upon David that enabled him to secure and develop the capital, contrasting with the previous chaotic period of the judges. This constructive work foreshadows the Temple building by Solomon, establishing a pattern of holy endeavors connected with Jerusalem and the Davidic line. The verse also underscores the theme of leadership in action; David not only conquered but built, demonstrating practical administration and long-term vision. Furthermore, the act of "restoring" or "reviving" parts of the city speaks to a broader biblical theme of restoration, not just physically but often spiritually, setting the stage for later prophets who speak of God rebuilding Jerusalem and restoring His people.
1 Chronicles 11 8 Commentary
This concise verse presents a pivotal moment in the establishment of the Davidic kingdom. After seizing Jerusalem, David, by divine anointing, takes practical steps to consolidate his power and make the city a true capital. His primary initiative, building "from Millo round about," focused on significant structural reinforcement and expansion, likely enhancing the defensive capabilities of the captured stronghold and integrating it into his expanding domain. This foundational work by David signifies his vision for a secure and unified Israel. The mention of Joab's distinct role, "repaired the rest of the city," is crucial. It reveals David's administrative acumen in delegating important tasks to his trusted commander, emphasizing the cooperative effort in nation-building. Joab's "repair" suggests more than mere mending; the Hebrew term conveys "revitalization," indicating a profound restoration that brought dilapidated parts of the city back to full functionality. This division of labor illustrates wise leadership and efficient management within David's administration, setting a precedent for comprehensive development under God's guidance. The collective action underscores the importance of both new construction and faithful stewardship of existing structures for national prosperity and security.