### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Nâchâsh**, represented by `{{H5176}}`, refers to at least two non-Israelite individuals named **Nahash**. It appears **9 times** across **8 unique verses**, primarily in the historical books of Samuel and Chronicles. This name is chiefly associated with an Ammonite king who posed a significant threat to Israel, as well as another individual linked by lineage to the family of King David.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Nahash the **Ammonite** `{{H5984}}` first appears when he **encamped** `{{H2583}}` against Jabeshgilead. He offered the men of Jabesh a **covenant** `{{H1285}}` on the brutal condition that he **thrust out** `{{H5365}}` all their right **eyes** `{{H5869}}`, laying a **reproach** `{{H2781}}` upon all Israel [[1 Samuel 11:1-2]]. This aggression was a key event that prompted the Israelites to demand a human **king** `{{H4428}}` to lead them [[1 Samuel 12:12]]. Later, after Nahash the **king** `{{H4428}}` of the **children** `{{H1121}}` of **Ammon** `{{H5983}}` **died** `{{H4191}}`, his **son** `{{H1121}}` Hanun reigned in his place [[1 Chronicles 19:1]]. David sought to show **kindness** `{{H2617}}` to Hanun, noting that his **father** `{{H1}}` Nahash had shown kindness to him [[2 Samuel 10:2]]. A different context identifies a Nahash as the father of **Abigail** `{{H26}}` [[2 Samuel 17:25]] and of **Shobi** `{{H7629}}`, who provided aid to David at **Mahanaim** `{{H4266}}` [[2 Samuel 17:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several figures and groups are directly connected to the individuals named Nahash:
* `{{H2586}}` **Chânûwn** (favored; Chanun): He is the **son** `{{H1121}}` of Nahash who inherited the throne of the Ammonites. David’s attempt to show him **kindness** `{{H2617}}` after his father's death was met with suspicion and led to war [[1 Chronicles 19:2]].
* `{{H5983}}` **ʻAmmôwn** (tribal, i.e. inbred; Ammon): Nahash is identified as the **king** `{{H4428}}` of the children of Ammon, a neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel [[1 Samuel 12:12]].
* `{{H26}}` **ʼĂbîygayil** (father (i.e. source) of joy; Abigail): She is identified as the **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of a man named Nahash and the **sister** `{{H269}}` of Zeruiah, Joab's mother. This links the name Nahash to King David's extended family [[2 Samuel 17:25]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5176}}` is tied to the roles these individuals play in Israel's history.
* **A National Adversary:** Nahash the Ammonite embodies a direct threat to the existence and honor of Israel. His demand to **thrust out** `{{H5365}}` the right **eyes** `{{H5869}}` of the men of **Jabeshgilead** `{{H3003}}` was intended as a **reproach** `{{H2781}}` against the entire nation [[1 Samuel 11:2]].
* **A Catalyst for Kingship:** The terror inspired by Nahash, **king** `{{H4428}}` of the Ammonites, served as the final impetus for Israel to reject the leadership of the LORD **God** `{{H430}}` alone and demand a human **king** `{{H4428}}` to rule over them [[1 Samuel 12:12]].
* **Complex Alliances and Lineage:** Despite the initial hostility, a relationship of **kindness** `{{H2617}}` later existed between **David** `{{H1732}}` and Nahash [[2 Samuel 10:2]]. Furthermore, the name is tied into David's lineage through **Abigail** `{{H26}}`, the **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of Nahash, revealing intricate and sometimes unexpected family connections between Israelites and their neighbors [[2 Samuel 17:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5176}}` **Nâchâsh** is a name associated with key non-Israelite figures who interact with Israel at pivotal moments. He is portrayed as both a cruel enemy who provokes a national crisis and, paradoxically, as a figure connected to King David through diplomatic kindness and even family ties. The appearances of Nahash in scripture highlight the complex political and personal relationships that defined Israel's interactions with surrounding nations like the Ammonites.
TRV