9:15 the Millo. As the city of Jerusalem expanded northward along the Ophel ridge, it was necessary to build supporting earthworks for the city’s fortifications. The “Millo” (lit. “filling”) was apparently such a restraining structure constructed east of the palace to fill in a depression along the ridgetop (cf. v. 24; 11:27; 2 Sam. 5:9; 2 Kin. 12:20; 2 Chr. 32:5).

Hazor and Megiddo and Gezer. These towns are strategically located along major trade routes. Hazor is ten miles north of the Sea of Chinneroth (Galilee); Megiddo is at the opening onto the Jezreel Valley of a strategic pass through the Carmel ridge. Gezer was twenty miles west of Jerusalem. Archaeological excavation has revealed identical Solomonic gates at each of these sites. By fortifying these three sites, Solomon consolidated his control of trade and commerce.