Lexical Summary Kidon: Javelin, spear Original Word: כִּידוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Kidon, a place in Palestine The same as kiydown; Kidon, a place in Palestine: see HEBREW kiydown NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as kidon Definition a place in Pal. NASB Translation Chidon (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. כִּידֹן proper name, masculine 1 Chronicles 13:9, ᵐ5L Ξεδων, A Ξειλω; = נָכוֺן 2 Samuel 6:6 (ᵐ5 Νωδαβ, A Ναχων, ᵐ5L Ορνα). כִּידוֺד see below כדד; כִּידוֺר see below כדר. Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingThe only scriptural use of כִּידוֹן (Kidon) occurs in 1 Chronicles 13:9: “When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out to steady the ark, because the oxen had stumbled” (Berean Standard Bible). The verse sits in the Chronicler’s retelling of David’s first attempt to move the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13:1-14). In the parallel narrative, 2 Samuel 6:6 names the site “Nachon’s threshing floor,” indicating either two names for the same owner or two owners in succession. Historical and Geographical Observations • Location: The precise site of Kidon’s threshing floor is unknown. The procession likely followed the ridge route from Kiriath-jearim toward Jerusalem, so many scholars place the floor somewhere in the hill country of Judah or Benjamin. • Function: Threshing floors were flat, exposed areas where grain was separated from chaff, often situated on elevated ground to catch prevailing winds. Such sites doubled as convenient local landmarks for travelers. • Ownership: The name attached to the floor may belong to the original proprietor. Whether Kidon was the owner himself, a family, or a clan name, Scripture provides no further biographical details. Narrative Importance 1. Transition in Israel’s Worship The threshing floor episode marks the turning point between Israel’s years of neglecting the Ark and the centralization of worship in Jerusalem. By setting the event at a familiar agricultural site, the Chronicler contrasts ordinary human activity with the extraordinary holiness of God’s presence. 2. The Crisis of Uzzah Uzzah’s death at Kidon’s threshing floor demonstrates the absolute sanctity of the Ark. Though his intention seemed noble—steadying the Ark—his action violated God’s explicit transport directives (Numbers 4:15). The incident halted the procession and led David to leave the Ark temporarily at the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite (1 Chronicles 13:13-14). 3. Catalyst for Reform After three months David resumed the mission, but only after the Levites had consecrated themselves and carried the Ark on their shoulders “as Moses had commanded” (1 Chronicles 15:12-15). Thus Kidon’s threshing floor stands as a monument to course correction in corporate worship. Theological Significance • Holiness and Reverence Kidon’s threshing floor epitomizes the warning that familiarity with sacred things breeds complacency. Holiness demands obedience, not merely good intentions. The Ark, symbolizing God’s throne among His people, could not be treated as common cargo. • Judgment and Grace The sudden judgment upon Uzzah might appear severe, yet it preserved Israel from treating God casually. Immediately afterward, grace surfaces: the house of Obed-Edom prospered (1 Chronicles 13:14), foreshadowing the blessing that flows when God’s presence is honored properly. • Continuity of Covenant By situating the episode in the Chronicler’s history, Kidon’s threshing floor ties David’s kingship back to Sinai’s covenant stipulations. The faithful handling of the Ark is not a new rule but the continuation of God’s unchanging standards. Comparative Texts • 2 Samuel 6:6—“When they came to Nachon’s threshing floor…” The variant name underscores the human element in place-naming, while the identical outcome highlights the theological point common to both writers. • Numbers 4:15—The Kohathites were to carry the holy objects “but they must not touch them or they will die.” Kidon confirms the enduring validity of Mosaic commands. • Exodus 19:22—Even priests had to consecrate themselves lest the Lord “break out against them.” The principle that God’s holiness requires separation spans from Sinai to Kidon. Ministry Applications 1. Worship Leadership Church leaders must pattern their ministry after David’s second, corrected attempt—seeking God’s ways first (1 Chronicles 15:13). Kidon warns against pragmatic shortcuts and encourages careful adherence to biblical instruction in corporate worship. 2. Personal Devotion Uzzah’s well-meaning reflex reminds believers that zeal must be coupled with scriptural knowledge. Private devotion thrives when it is guided by God’s revealed will rather than impulse. 3. Church Discipline and Restoration The narrative reveals that divine discipline, though painful, clears the ground for renewed blessing. Congregational repentance and realignment with Scripture can transform places of failure into testimonies of grace. Typological Insight The Ark, pointing ahead to Jesus Christ—Immanuel, God with us—was mishandled at Kidon. Similarly, the New Testament warns against “trampling the Son of God under foot” (Hebrews 10:29). Reverence for the incarnate Word mirrors the reverence required for the symbol of His presence in the Old Testament. Archaeological Considerations No excavation has conclusively identified Kidon’s threshing floor. Yet typical Iron Age threshing floors—circular, rock-paved areas edged by low curbs—have been found throughout Judah. Such finds illuminate the everyday context where epochal theological lessons unfolded. Key Themes • Sacredness of God’s Presence Related Entries Ark of the Covenant; Uzzah; Obed-Edom; Threshing Floors; Davidic Worship. Forms and Transliterations כִּידֹ֑ן כידן kî·ḏōn kiDon kîḏōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 13:9 HEB: עַד־ גֹּ֣רֶן כִּידֹ֑ן וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח עֻזָּ֜א NAS: to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza KJV: unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza INT: against to the threshing of Chidon put Uzza |
    |