Nahash נָחָשׁ

Male Ammon H5176J 1 book

King of the Ammonites, provided supplies to David.

Who is Nahash in the Bible?

Nahash was the king of the Ammonites who provided crucial supplies to King David during his exile in Mahanaim, as recorded in 2 Samuel 17:27. When David fled Jerusalem to escape his son Absalom's rebellion, Nahash joined several other supporters in bringing food, bedding, and other necessities to sustain David and his followers during their time east of the Jordan River. This act of generosity from a foreign king demonstrated significant political support for David during one of his most vulnerable periods. Nahash's assistance highlights the extent of David's influence and the alliances he had forged, even among neighboring nations, underscoring his resilience and the loyalty he inspired during his greatest trial.

Biography

Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, is mentioned in 2Sa.17.27 as one of the individuals who provided support to King David and his followers during their time in Mahanaim. This event took place during Absalom's rebellion against David, when the king was forced to flee from Jerusalem.

As David and his entourage arrived in Mahanaim, a city east of the Jordan River, they were met by several individuals who brought supplies, including beds, basins, pottery, wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese. Among these supporters was Nahash, the king of the Ammonites.

The assistance provided by Nahash and the others was crucial for David and his followers, who were in need of provisions and support during this challenging time. The fact that Nahash, a foreign king, offered aid to David suggests that there may have been a positive diplomatic relationship between the Ammonites and Israel at this point in David's reign.

It is worth noting that there are other mentions of a king named Nahash of the Ammonites in the biblical text (1 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 10), but it is unclear whether the Nahash mentioned in 2Sa.17.27 is the same individual or a different Ammonite king with the same name. The context of this passage focuses solely on Nahash's role in providing support to David during Absalom's rebellion.

Family

In Scripture

1 biblical book
2 Samuel 1 verse
  • 2 Samuel 17:27

    "When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim."

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew נָחָשׁ