Joshua 8:18

The spear. כִידוֹן , a kind of long and slender lance, probably, like those of our lancers, with a flag attached. It is thus described by Kimchi. Jahn, in his 'Archesologia Biblica,' takes this view. But the Vulgate here, followed apparently by Grotius and Masius, suppose it to be a shield, though the LXX . render by γαῖσος . In 1 Samuel 17:6 the LXX . render by ἄσπις , and our version by target. It is to be distinguished from the lighter חנית or flexible javelin (see, for instance, 1 Samuel 13:22 , 1 Samuel 18:10 , which was thrown at the adversary, whereas the כִידוֹן was used to transfix him in close combat.