A new study published in the Journal of Biblical Literature proposes that the Millo in Jerusalem should be identified with the fortifications that surround the Gihon Spring rather than the Stepped Stone Structure. The authors, Chris McKinny, Nahshon Szanton, Aharon Tavger, and Joe Uziel, point to recent archaeological excavations in the city of David and accompanying radiocarbon analysis which indicates the Spring Tower was either constructed in the 9th century BC or substantially renovated during the Late Bronze IIA period. They further argue that the verb ml’ is often used to describe filling with water, and better fits the location of a spring than the Stepped Stone Structure, which is filled with stones and dirt. The authors go on to suggest that the House of Millo (Beit Millo) was a familiar building near the Gihon Spring in which King Joash was assassinated (2 Kings 12:20). Some believe their theory helps explain the prominence of the Gihon Spring and Millo in the early history of the kingdom of Judah, including the location of Solomon’s inauguration (1 Kings 1:33-34) and its construction during Jeroboam’s rebellion (1 Kings 11:27). This theory is sure to generate academic debate as scholars seek to identify the enigmatic Millo in Jerusalem.
OFF-SITE LINKS:
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/1
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