Chidon, also referred to as Nachon's Threshing-Floor, is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant. This site is noted for a pivotal event involving King David and the Ark, which underscores the holiness and reverence required in handling sacred objects.

Biblical References:

The primary account of Chidon is found in 1 Chronicles 13:9-10. The Berean Standard Bible states: "When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark, because the oxen had stumbled. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God."

A parallel account is found in 2 Samuel 6:6-7, where the location is referred to as Nachon's Threshing-Floor: "When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God."

Historical and Theological Context:

Chidon, or Nachon's Threshing-Floor, serves as a geographical and theological marker in the narrative of Israel's history. The threshing floor was a common agricultural site used for separating grain from chaff, often located on elevated ground to take advantage of the wind. In this context, it becomes a place of divine judgment and a reminder of the sanctity of the Ark.

The incident at Chidon highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands regarding the Ark's transportation. According to the Law given to Moses, the Ark was to be carried by the Levites using poles inserted through rings on its sides (Exodus 25:14-15). The decision to transport the Ark on a cart, as the Philistines had done when returning it to Israel (1 Samuel 6:7-8), was contrary to these instructions and led to the tragic death of Uzzah.

Significance in Israel's Worship:

The event at Chidon underscores the necessity of approaching God with reverence and adherence to His commands. It serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness of God and the serious consequences of irreverence. This incident prompted King David to pause the transportation of the Ark and later to bring it to Jerusalem with great care and celebration, as described in 1 Chronicles 15.

Theologically, Chidon represents a moment of divine intervention that reinforced the sacredness of the Ark as the symbol of God's presence among His people. It also illustrates the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and the appropriate response of worship and obedience from His followers.2 Samuel 6:6
And when they came to Nachon's threshing floor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.
Nave's Topical Index

Death and Life from the Ark
... The spot is called in Samuel 'the threshing-floor of Nachon,' but in Chronicles
the owner is named 'Chidon.' As the former word means 'a stroke' and the latter ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/death and life from the.htm

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