What was Chidon?

Chidon (Hebrew: כִּידוֹן, Kîdôn) refers to a threshing floor mentioned in 1 Chronicles 13:9, a key location in the tragic account of Uzzah‘s death during King David‘s attempt to transport the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The name Chidon is possibly related to a Hebrew root meaning “javelin” or “dart,” symbolizing perhaps a sharp or pointed object, though in context, it functions as a place-name rather than a personal name. In the parallel account in 2 Samuel 6:6, this location is called Nachon’s threshing floor, possibly indicating that “Chidon” and “Nachon” are different names for the same place—whether from scribal tradition, regional variation, or an alternate name used in different historical records.

Where is Chidon found in the Bible?

Chidon is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 13:9:

“When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled.” (NIV)

The parallel narrative in 2 Samuel 6:6 reads:

“When they came to the threshing floor of Nachon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled.”

Though there is a variance in the name, the location refers to the same event—the moment when Uzzah was struck dead by God for touching the ark.

Cross-References

• 2 Samuel 6:6-7 – Parallel account using the name Nachon.

• Numbers 4:15 – Law forbidding anyone but the Levites from touching the holy things of the tabernacle.

• Exodus 25:14-15 – Instructions for carrying the Ark using poles.

• Deuteronomy 10:8 – Only the Levites were appointed to carry the Ark.

What happened at Chidon?

Chidon’s threshing floor became a sudden and sobering reminder of the holiness of God. King David had organized a grand procession to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. However, instead of transporting the ark as prescribed in the Law—carried on poles by the Levites—they placed it on a new cart, imitating the Philistine method (see 1 Samuel 6). As the ark journeyed, the oxen stumbled near Chidon’s threshing floor. In response, Uzzah, one of the men guiding the cart, instinctively reached out to steady the Ark. Although well-intentioned, this act violated the divine ordinance, and God struck him dead on the spot.

This event caused David to fear the Lord deeply. The procession stopped, and the Ark was temporarily placed in the house of Obed–Edom. Later, David resumed the task, but this time in strict obedience to the Law of Moses.

What it means for today’s Christians

The event at Chidon is a warning and a call to reverent worship and obedience. Uzzah‘s death was not a result of malice but of presumption and irreverence. His intentions were likely noble, but he disregarded God‘s explicit command regarding the sanctity of the Ark. This reminds Christians that good intentions do not override God‘s instructions.

Modern believers are often tempted to worship or serve God in ways that are culturally popular or emotionally satisfying but not biblically faithful. Chidon reminds the Church that God is holy, and His commands are not suggestions. Worship must be done in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), and reverence for His presence remains essential, even under the New Covenant.

How Chidon points to Jesus and the gospel

The Ark symbolized God‘s holy presence among His people, and the events at Chidon highlight how sinful humanity cannot touch or approach a holy God without mediation. Uzzah’s death points to the severity of sin and the need for a mediator—a role that is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Unlike Uzzah, Jesus did not die because of His own sin, but He died for ours. He bore the wrath of God so that we might be able to approach the throne of grace without fear. Through His sacrifice, the veil that once separated man from God’s presence was torn (Matthew 27:51). In Christ, believers are now made holy and can enter God‘s presence not through ritual, but through faith in Him.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Holiness and Justice

Chidon is a place that echoes God‘s uncompromising holiness. It reminds us that divine justice is not arbitrary but consistent with His nature. God‘s holiness cannot be treated lightly or casually.

2. Obedience Over Innovation

David’s use of a cart mirrored the Philistines‘ way of transporting the Ark, rather than God‘s commands. This teaches us that God’s people must be careful not to import worldly methods into sacred duties.

3. Fear of the Lord

David’s reaction—his fear and pause in the Ark’s journey—demonstrates that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). God‘s presence is both beautiful and dangerous when approached on our own terms.

4. God’s Grace Through Instruction

David later obeys God‘s law and the Ark is successfully brought to Jerusalem with joy (1 Chronicles 15). This shows that God delights in worship done His way, and He graciously instructs His people in how to draw near to Him.

5. Jesus as the Better Ark

The Ark prefigured Christ, who is the true presence of God among us (John 1:14). While touching the Ark brought death, touching Jesus in faith brings life. He is the holy and yet accessible Savior.

Reflection Questions

1. Why was Uzzah’s act of touching the Ark considered sinful, even if he had good intentions?

2. What does Chidon’s story reveal about how we approach God today?

3. Are there areas in your life or worship where you might be acting out of tradition or cultural influence rather than Scripture?

4. How does understanding God’s holiness affect your view of sin and grace?

5. In what ways does Jesus fulfill the symbolism of the Ark of the Covenant?

6. How can the fear of the Lord be appropriately cultivated in the modern Church?

7. What safeguards can we put in place to ensure our worship is both heartfelt and biblically faithful?

8. How does Chidon point us toward the seriousness and joy of knowing God rightly?

9. What does the difference between David‘s first and second attempt to bring the Ark teach us about learning from past spiritual failures?

10. How does Christ’s mediation give us confidence to approach God without fear?

Chidon, though mentioned briefly, is a powerful biblical location that reminds God’s people of the seriousness of divine commands, the beauty of holy worship, and the need for a Savior to stand in the gap.