The Hebrew word kîydôwn, represented by H3591, refers to something to strike with, such as a dart, lance, shield, spear, or target. It appears 9 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible, almost exclusively in contexts of warfare and divine power. Its meaning can range from a defensive piece of armor to an offensive projectile weapon.
In biblical narratives, H3591 is often portrayed as an instrument of military action and divine will. In the conquest of Ai, the LORD commands H3091 Joshua to "Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai" Joshua 8:18, a symbolic act of promised victory which Joshua maintains until the city is utterly destroyed Joshua 8:26. The word is also used to describe the armaments of formidable warriors, such as the "target of brass" carried by the Philistine champion 1 Samuel 17:6 and the "lance" wielded by the cruel armies set against Babylon Jeremiah 50:42 and Zion Jeremiah 6:23. Conversely, Job highlights the weapon's insignificance against God's creation, noting that the mighty Leviathan "laugheth at the shaking of a spear" Job 41:29.
Several related words help to contextualize the role of the H3591 as a weapon of war:
- H2595 chănîyth (javelin, spear): This term for a thrusting lance is mentioned alongside H3591 in the standoff between David and Goliath, where David contrasts these physical weapons with the power of the LORD's name 1 Samuel 17:45.
- H2719 chereb (sword): A cutting instrument for close combat, the sword is frequently listed with the kîydôwn to represent the full array of a soldier's weaponry 1 Samuel 17:45.
- H7198 qesheth (bow): In prophetic descriptions of invading forces, the bow and the spear or lance are paired to illustrate the military readiness and threat of an advancing army (Jeremiah 6:23, Jeremiah 50:42).
The theological significance of H3591 is centered on the theme of divine power versus human strength.
- Instrument of Divine Judgment: The kîydôwn is used as a tool to execute God's commands. Joshua's outstretched spear is not merely a military signal but a channel for divine authority over Ai Joshua 8:18. Similarly, Jeremiah depicts armies wielding the lance as agents of God's judgment Jeremiah 50:42.
- Symbol of Human Might: The weapon represents the pinnacle of human military technology and strength, as seen in the description of Goliath's armor 1 Samuel 17:6. However, this human strength is shown to be insufficient when confronted by faith in God 1 Samuel 17:45.
- Insignificance Before God's Power: The book of Job uses the spear to illustrate the futility of human weapons against the awesome power of God's creation. Both the war horse and Leviathan are depicted as being completely unimpressed by such weapons, underscoring God's supreme authority over all things (Job 39:23, Job 41:29).
In summary, H3591 is a specific term for a type of spear or dart that carries significant weight in biblical accounts of conflict. While it denotes a tangible weapon of war, its true importance lies in the contrast it provides between the limited strength of man and the absolute, unconquerable power of God. Whether wielded as a symbol of divine victory or dismissed as ineffective before God's majesty, the kîydôwn consistently points to the Lord as the ultimate source of power.
TRV