Topical Encyclopedia
Chidon is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of a significant event involving the Ark of the Covenant. The name "Chidon" appears in
1 Chronicles 13:9, which describes the tragic incident of Uzzah's death during the transportation of the Ark.
Biblical Reference:1 Chronicles 13:9 : "When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark, because the oxen had stumbled."
This passage is part of the narrative where King David sought to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem. The Ark, representing the presence and holiness of God, was being transported on a new cart driven by Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab. As they reached the threshing floor of Chidon, the oxen pulling the cart stumbled. Uzzah instinctively reached out to steady the Ark, an act that resulted in his immediate death by divine judgment.
Theological Significance:The incident at Chidon underscores the holiness of God and the importance of adhering to His commandments regarding sacred objects. According to the Mosaic Law, the Ark was to be carried by the Levites using poles inserted through rings on its sides (
Exodus 25:14-15). The use of a cart, as well as the touching of the Ark by Uzzah, violated these divine instructions. This event serves as a sobering reminder of the reverence and obedience required in the worship of God.
Historical and Cultural Context:Threshing floors in ancient Israel were significant agricultural sites where grain was separated from chaff. They were often located on elevated, open areas to take advantage of the wind. The mention of the "threshing floor of Chidon" situates the event in a rural setting, which was common for such activities.
The name "Chidon" itself is not widely referenced outside this particular incident, and its exact location remains uncertain. Some scholars suggest it may be synonymous with the "threshing floor of Nacon" mentioned in
2 Samuel 6:6, which recounts the same event with slight variations in detail.
Lessons and Reflections:The account of Chidon invites reflection on the nature of God's holiness and the seriousness with which His instructions are to be taken. It challenges believers to consider the ways in which they approach God, emphasizing the need for reverence, obedience, and a heart aligned with His will. The account of Uzzah at Chidon serves as a poignant reminder of the balance between God's love and His justice, encouraging a deeper understanding of His character as revealed in Scripture.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Chidona dart
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Chidon(a javelin), the name which in (1 Chronicles 13:9) is given to the threshing-floor at which the accident to the ark took place. In the parallel account in 2Sam 6 the name is given as NACHON.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Dart, the name of the threshing-floor at which the death of Uzzah took place (
1 Chronicles 13:9). In the parallel passage in Samuel (
2 Samuel 6:6) it is called "Nachon's threshing-floor." It was a place not far north-west from Jerusalem.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CHIDON, THE THRESHING-FLOOR OFki'-don, (goren kidhon; Septuagint B, omits; A has Cheilo): The place where Uzza perished because he touched the ark (1 Chronicles 13:9). In2 Samuel 6:6 it is called the threshing-floor of Nachon. No name resembling either of these has been discovered.
Strong's Hebrew
3592. Kidon -- a place in Palestine... Kidon or Kidon. 3593 . a place in Palestine. Transliteration: Kidon or Kidon Phonetic
Spelling: (kee-dohn') Short Definition:
Chidon.
... NASB Word Usage
Chidon (1
...Library
Importance of Small Things in Religion
... Just when they come to the threshing floor ofChidon, there is a peculiarly boggy
place in the road, and the car is almost upset; the ark is about to fall in...
That when David had Conquered the Philistines who Made War against...
... But as they were come to the threshing-floor ofChidon, a place so called, Uzzah
was slain by the anger of God; for as the oxen shook the ark, he stretched out...
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...
Thesaurus
Chidon (1 Occurrence)... Jerusalem. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
CHIDON, THE THRESHING-FLOOR OF. ki
... discovered. Multi-Version Concordance
Chidon (1 Occurrence). 1
...Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible EncyclopediaCHIDON, THE THRESHING-FLOOR OF. ki'-don,
(goren kidhon; Septuagint B, omits; A has Cheilo): The...
Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences)
Threshing-floor. Threshingfloor, Threshing-floor. Threshingfloors . Int.
Standard Bible EncyclopediaCHIDON, THE THRESHING-FLOOR OF....
Threshing (57 Occurrences)
... It is uncertain whether in 1 Samuel 6:6 it is a place-name at all; and no successful
attempt has been made to identify either Nacon orChidon; possibly they...
Floor (69 Occurrences)
... It is uncertain whether in 1 Samuel 6:6 it is a place-name at all; and no successful
attempt has been made to identify either Nacon orChidon; possibly they...
Kidon (1 Occurrence)
... Kidon (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 13:9 When they came to the threshing floor of
Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled....
Nacon (1 Occurrence)
... It is uncertain whether in 1 Samuel 6:6 it is a place-name at all; and no successful
attempt has been made to identify either Nacon orChidon; possibly they...
Nachon (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Prepared, the owner of a thrashing-floor near which Uzzah
was slain (2 Samuel 6:6); called alsoChidon (1 Chronicles 13:9)....
Nearly (13 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 1 Chronicles 13:9 When they came to the threshing floor ofChidon, Uzza
put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. (See NAS)....
Upset (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 13:9 When they came to the threshing floor ofChidon, Uzza put forth
his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. (See NAS)....
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus