Judges 9:6

House of Millo. Millo was probably a place not far from Shechem. It is not clear whether the word “house” used here means the family or the inhabitants of Millo, or, a building. Here and in v. 20 the phrase seems to be parallel to “the men of Shechem.” Hence it may refer to people of the clan, or family, of Millo. On the other hand, it could very well designate a building. In v. 46 reference is made to “the tower of Shechem” in such a way that it may be the equivalent of “house of Millo.”

Plain. Heb. ’elon. The word means an oak or terebinth tree (see Judges 6:11; Gen. 35:8). This tree in Shechem was probably the same as the one under which Jacob made his family bury the idolatrous earrings and amulets (Gen. 35:4) and under which Joshua raised his stone of witness (Joshua 24:26).

Pillar. This was one of the sacred stones customarily used by Hebrews and Canaanites in their places of worship (Gen. 28:18; Ex. 24:4; Deut. 12:3). Abimelech was proclaimed king at the same place where Joshua had held the last national assembly to renew the covenant of Israel with Jehovah (Joshua 24:1, 25, 26). It was the custom to choose a king at some sanctuary or sacred spot (1 Sam. 11:15).