the same as נָחָשׁ; Nachash, the name of two persons apparently non-Israelite; Nahash.
Transliteration:Nâchâsh
Pronunciation:naw-khawsh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5176}}`, *Nâchâsh*, is a proper noun referring to a person or persons. Its base definition indicates it is "the same as נָחָשׁ," which points directly to the common noun `{{H5175}}`, meaning "serpent" or "snake." Thus, the name *Nahash* literally means "serpent" or "enchanter." In its application as a proper noun, it identifies specific individuals within the biblical narrative, primarily two distinct figures: an Ammonite king and an individual related to David's family. The semantic range is therefore limited to the identification of these proper names, though the etymological link to the common noun for "serpent" carries significant, albeit often debated, implications for interpretation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Nahash* appears in several key biblical passages, referring to at least two, and possibly three, distinct individuals:
1. **Nahash, King of the Ammonites:**
* **[[1 Samuel 11:1-2]]**: This Nahash is introduced as a ruthless aggressor who besieges Jabesh-Gilead, demanding that all its inhabitants have their right eyes gouged out as a "reproach on all Israel." This act of extreme cruelty serves as the catalyst for Saul's anointing as king and his first military victory, uniting Israel under his leadership. Nahash's aggression, therefore, plays a pivotal role in the establishment of the Israelite monarchy.
* **[[2 Samuel 10:1-2]] / [[1 Chronicles 19:1-2]]**: Later, during David's reign, it is recorded that Nahash, king of the Ammonites, died, and David sent messengers to comfort his son Hanun. David recalls that Nahash "showed kindness to me." This statement is intriguing given Nahash's earlier aggression against Israel. Scholars propose various explanations for this kindness: perhaps Nahash offered David refuge during his flight from Saul, or it was a strategic alliance against Saul, or David simply acknowledged a past act of diplomacy. Regardless, it highlights a complex, and perhaps shifting, relationship between the Ammonite monarchy and David.
* **[[2 Samuel 17:27]]**: Shobi, son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, is mentioned as one of those who brought supplies to David during Absalom's rebellion. This Shobi is likely a son of the Ammonite king Nahash, indicating continued interaction between David and the Ammonite royal house.
2. **Nahash, father of Abigail and Zeruiah:**
* **[[2 Samuel 17:25]]**: This verse states, "Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, mother of Joab." Since Zeruiah and Abigail are explicitly identified as sisters of David (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 2:16]]), this implies that Nahash is either their father (making Nahash Jesse's wife, or Jesse himself if Nahash is a nickname for Jesse, or Jesse had another wife), or more commonly, that Nahash is their mother. The latter interpretation suggests that Nahash was David's mother, or at least a female relative who bore David's sisters, and that she was either married to Jesse or had children by another man. This Nahash is clearly distinct from the Ammonite king. The ambiguity surrounding this figure has led to considerable scholarly discussion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is `{{H5175}}` (נָחָשׁ, *nāḥāš*), the common noun for "serpent" or "snake." The shared lemma is striking and invites interpretive consideration.
* **`{{H5175}}` (Serpent):** The direct etymological link suggests that the name *Nahash* literally means "serpent." For the Ammonite king, this could evoke images of cunning, danger, or even a subtle connection to pagan serpent worship, which was not uncommon among ancient Near Eastern peoples. The Ammonites were known for their idolatry. For the Nahash connected to David's family, the meaning is less clear. It could simply be a common name that coincidentally shares its root with "serpent," or it might carry a more nuanced meaning, such as "enchanter" or one associated with divination, though this is speculative. It is important to note that not all names with potentially negative etymologies carried those connotations for the bearers or their contemporaries.
* **Ammonites:** The primary context for the king Nahash. The Ammonites were perennial enemies of Israel, often characterized by their aggression and idolatry (e.g., their worship of Molech). Nahash's actions in [[1 Samuel 11]] exemplify this adversarial relationship.
* **Kindness (*ḥesed*):** David's remembrance of Nahash's kindness (`{{H2617}}`, *ḥesed*) in [[2 Samuel 10]] introduces a surprising element to the relationship, demonstrating that even between traditional enemies, acts of goodwill could occur.
* **Kingship:** Nahash's siege of Jabesh-Gilead is instrumental in the rise of Saul as Israel's first king, highlighting the role of external threats in shaping Israelite political identity.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Nahash, particularly the Ammonite king, serves several theological purposes within the biblical narrative:
* **Divine Providence and the Establishment of Monarchy:** Nahash's aggression, though wicked, is providentially used by God to galvanize the tribes of Israel and confirm Saul's anointing as king. God orchestrates events, even through the actions of His enemies, to bring about His purposes for His people (cf. [[Proverbs 16:9]]).
* **Complexity of International Relations:** The shifting dynamic between Nahash and David illustrates the nuanced and often surprising nature of political alliances and enmities in the ancient Near East. It reminds us that relationships are not always black and white, and even adversaries can show unexpected kindness.
* **The Name's Implication:** While not explicitly commented on by biblical authors, the name *Nahash* (serpent) for an Ammonite king could subtly underscore the adversarial, almost "serpentine" nature of Israel's enemies, echoing the primordial adversary in the Garden of Eden. This is an interpretive lens, not a direct theological statement. Conversely, if Nahash is David's mother or a close female relative, it demonstrates that names, even those with potentially negative connotations, are simply labels for individuals who are part of God's broader redemptive plan. It reminds us that divine election and human relationships transcend superficial etymological links.
### Summary
`{{H5176}}`, *Nâchâsh*, is a Hebrew proper noun, etymologically linked to `{{H5175}}` ("serpent"). It primarily identifies two distinct figures in the Old Testament: Nahash, the aggressive Ammonite king whose siege of Jabesh-Gilead catalyzed Saul's kingship and who later showed kindness to David; and a Nahash connected to David's family, possibly his mother or another close female relative. The Ammonite king's role highlights divine providence in establishing the monarchy and the complex nature of international relations. The shared etymology with "serpent" offers potential symbolic layers for the Ammonite king, representing an adversarial force, while for the Nahash connected to David's family, it underscores the diverse origins and meanings of names within God's sovereign plan.
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