the same as כִּידוֹן; Kidon, a place in Palestine; Chidon.
Transliteration:Kîydôwn
Pronunciation:kee-dohn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3592, transliterated as *Kîydôwn* (כִּידוֹן), is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location in ancient Israel. Its base definition identifies it as "Kidon, a place in Palestine; Chidon." Unlike common nouns or verbs, a proper noun like *Kîydôwn* does not possess a semantic range in the typical sense; its meaning is fixed to its singular referent—the place itself. The significance of this term is therefore derived entirely from its contextual occurrences in the biblical narrative. It is critical to distinguish H3592, the place name, from its homograph/homophone `{{H3591}}`, which denotes a "javelin" or "lance," despite their identical spelling in the Hebrew. The context always clarifies which meaning is intended.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name *Kîydôwn* (H3592) appears in the Old Testament in connection with a pivotal and somber event during the reign of King David. Specifically, it is mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 13:9]]. The parallel account in [[2 Samuel 6:6]] refers to the same location as "Nachon's threshing floor."
The narrative context in both passages describes the ill-fated attempt to transport the Ark of the Covenant from Abinadab's house to Jerusalem. As the procession moved, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah, one of Abinadab's sons, reached out to steady the Ark. For this act, God struck him down, and he died there beside the Ark. This tragic event occurred at the "threshing floor of Chidon" (or "Nachon's threshing floor").
The naming of the place as "Chidon" (or "Kidon") in 1 Chronicles and "Nachon's" in 2 Samuel highlights a common biblical practice of places acquiring names or alternative names based on significant events that transpired there. "Nachon" means "firmly established" or "prepared," and its association with the threshing floor might suggest its prior known status. The place became a memorial to God's severe judgment and the sanctity of the Ark. The location's precise geographical identification beyond its association with this event remains somewhat uncertain, though it was evidently along the route from Kiriath-Jearim to Jerusalem.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a place name, *Kîydôwn* (H3592) is primarily related to other geographical markers and, more significantly, to the concepts embodied by the event that occurred there.
* **Nachon's Threshing Floor:** This alternative name, found in [[2 Samuel 6:6]], is directly synonymous with Chidon in the biblical narrative. The term "threshing floor" itself (Hebrew: *goren*) is a significant biblical concept, often serving as a gathering place, a site for commerce, or even a location for divine encounters and judgments (e.g., the threshing floor of Araunah, [[2 Samuel 24:16-25]]).
* **The Ark of the Covenant:** The central object in the narrative at Chidon is the Ark, representing God's manifest presence among His people. Its holiness and the prescribed manner of its handling are crucial concepts linked to this location.
* **Uzzah:** The individual whose death defines the event at Chidon. His story serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of irreverence towards divine commands.
* **Holiness and Divine Presence:** The incident at Chidon underscores the absolute holiness of God and the danger of treating sacred things casually.
* **Obedience to Mosaic Law:** The death of Uzzah was a direct consequence of violating the specific instructions for transporting the Ark, which mandated that it be carried by poles on the shoulders of the Kohathite Levites, not by oxcart (see [[Numbers 4:15]]).
It is imperative to reiterate the distinction from `{{H3591}}` (javelin/lance), as the identical spelling can lead to confusion. The context and the provided Strong's definition clearly delineate H3592 as the place name.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *Kîydôwn* (H3592) is inextricably tied to the tragic event that occurred there: the death of Uzzah. This incident serves as a profound and enduring lesson concerning the nature of God, divine holiness, and human responsibility.
1. **God's Absolute Holiness:** The Ark of the Covenant symbolized God's presence, and Uzzah's death vividly demonstrated that God's holiness is not to be trifled with. Even well-intentioned actions, if they violate divine commands regarding sacred things, can incur severe judgment. God is not merely a benevolent presence but also a consuming fire ([[Hebrews 12:29]]).
2. **The Necessity of Obedience:** The incident at Chidon underscores the critical importance of adhering to God's explicit instructions, particularly concerning worship and sacred objects. The Law had meticulously detailed how the Ark was to be handled, and David's procession had neglected these commands by transporting it on a new cart rather than by the prescribed method of being carried by Levites. Uzzah's death served as a harsh, immediate consequence of this collective disobedience and lack of reverence.
3. **The Danger of Presumption:** Uzzah's act, while perhaps stemming from a desire to protect the Ark, was an act of presumption—touching that which God had forbidden to be touched by non-Levites, and even then, only under specific conditions. It highlights the human tendency to approach the divine on one's own terms rather than God's.
4. **A Lesson for Leadership:** David's initial reaction of anger and fear ([[2 Samuel 6:8-9]]) shows the immediate impact of this divine judgment. The event at Chidon forced David to reconsider his approach to the Ark and to seek proper divine guidance, ultimately leading to a reverent and obedient transport of the Ark to Jerusalem. The place therefore stands as a perpetual reminder for all who lead in God's service to do so according to His will.
### Summary
*Kîydôwn* (H3592) is a proper noun identifying a specific location in ancient Israel, known as Chidon or Kidon. Its primary significance in the biblical narrative stems from its role as the site where Uzzah was struck dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant during its transport to Jerusalem ([[1 Chronicles 13:9]]; parallel to "Nachon's threshing floor" in [[2 Samuel 6:6]]). This place, therefore, serves as a solemn memorial to God's absolute holiness, the critical importance of obedience to divine commands, and the severe consequences of irreverence or presumption in approaching the sacred. It is crucial to distinguish this place name from the homophonous Hebrew word `{{H3591}}`, meaning "javelin" or "lance," as their meanings are entirely distinct and context-dependent. The name *Kîydôwn* forever links this geographical spot to a profound theological lesson on divine majesty and human responsibility.
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