Bible Dictionaries
Nahash

Holman Bible Dictionary

(nay hassh) Personal name meaning, “serpent” or perhaps “magnificence.” 1. Ammonite ruler whose assault of Jabesh-Gilead set the stage for Saul's consolidation of power as king (1 Samuel 11:1-11 ). Saul's opponent was likely the Nahash who befriended David (2 Samuel 10:1-2 ). His son Hanun provoked David's anger (2 Samuel 10:3-5 ). Another son, Shobi, served as David's ally (2 Samuel 17:27 ). 2 . Parent of Abigal (2 Samuel 17:25 ). Various harmonizations of 2 Samuel 17:25 and 1 Chronicles 2:16 have been offered. Nahash was a woman. Nahash is an alternate name for Jesse. The Amorite ruler Nahash and Jesse were at different times the husband of the same woman.