Who was Nahash in the Bible?
Nahash: An Ammonite King
The Hebrew name נָחָשׁ (nachash) means “snake,” and it fittingly describes Nahash, an Ammonite king known for his hostility towards Israel during the time of the United Monarchy. Nahash is mentioned in several biblical passages, highlighting his role as an adversary of Israel and his interactions with significant figures such as King Saul and King David.
1 Samuel 11:1-2 (NIV): “Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh Gilead. And all the men of Jabesh said to him, ‘Make a treaty with us, and we will be subject to you.’ But Nahash the Ammonite replied, ‘I will make a treaty with you only on the condition that I gouge out the right eye of every one of you and so bring disgrace on all Israel.'”
Nahash’s Siege of Jabesh Gilead
The Demand for Surrender
Nahash’s siege of Jabesh Gilead is one of the most notable events involving this Ammonite king. When the people of Jabesh Gilead sought a treaty with Nahash, he made a brutal demand: they would have to surrender by allowing him to gouge out their right eyes. This demand was intended to humiliate and weaken the Israelites, making them easy to dominate.
Saul’s Response and Victory
Upon hearing of Nahash’s threat, King Saul was filled with the Spirit of God and rallied the Israelites to come to the aid of Jabesh Gilead. Saul’s decisive action and the subsequent military campaign led to a swift victory over Nahash and the Ammonites, delivering the people of Jabesh Gilead from their oppressors.
1 Samuel 11:11 (NIV): “The next day Saul separated his men into three divisions; during the last watch of the night they broke into the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.”
Nahash’s Relationship with David
Show of Kindness
Interestingly, Nahash’s relationship with Israel was not entirely hostile. In 2 Samuel 10:2, it is noted that Nahash had shown kindness to David, prompting David to send a delegation to express sympathy to Hanun, Nahash’s son, upon Nahash’s death. However, this gesture was misinterpreted, leading to further conflict between Israel and the Ammonites.
2 Samuel 10:2 (NIV): “David thought, ‘I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.’ So David sent a delegation to express his sympathy to Hanun concerning his father. When David’s men came to the land of the Ammonites,”
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Importance of Leadership and Decisive Action
Saul’s response to Nahash’s threat highlights the importance of godly leadership and decisive action in the face of oppression. Modern Christians can learn from Saul’s example to act courageously and trust in God’s guidance when confronting challenges and defending the vulnerable.
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV): “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
The Consequences of Hostility and Misunderstanding
The interactions between Nahash, David, and Hanun illustrate the consequences of hostility and misunderstanding. Nahash’s initial aggression led to conflict, but even a gesture of goodwill from David was misinterpreted, resulting in further strife. Christians are reminded of the importance of clear communication, seeking peace, and resolving conflicts amicably.
Matthew 5:9 (NIV): “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Deliverance and Protection
The story of Saul’s victory over Nahash underscores God’s deliverance and protection of His people. Despite Nahash’s brutal intentions, God empowered Saul to lead Israel to victory, showcasing His faithfulness and care for His people. This encourages believers to trust in God’s protection and deliverance in their own lives.
Psalm 18:2 (NIV): “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
God’s Justice and Mercy
The defeat of Nahash and the deliverance of Jabesh Gilead also highlight God’s justice. Nahash’s cruel intentions were thwarted by God’s intervention through Saul. This serves as a reminder that God upholds justice and will act against oppression and evil.
Psalm 9:7-8 (NIV): “The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity.”
Connection to Jesus Christ
Jesus as the Ultimate Deliverer
Just as Saul delivered the people of Jabesh Gilead from Nahash’s oppression, Jesus Christ is the ultimate deliverer who saves humanity from the bondage of sin and evil. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross provides salvation and deliverance for all who believe in Him.
Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV): “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
The Call to Follow Christ’s Example
Christians are called to follow Jesus’ example of love, kindness, and peacemaking. While Nahash’s actions were marked by cruelty, Jesus’ life and ministry exemplified compassion, mercy, and the pursuit of peace. Believers are encouraged to emulate Christ in their interactions with others, seeking to build bridges and heal divisions.
John 13:34-35 (NIV): “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Conclusion
Nahash, the Ammonite king, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, primarily known for his aggressive actions against Israel and his interactions with key figures like Saul and David. His story highlights the importance of godly leadership, the consequences of hostility, and the ultimate deliverance provided by God. For modern Christians, Nahash’s story serves as a reminder to act courageously in faith, seek peace, and trust in God’s protection. Furthermore, it points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate deliverer, whose life and sacrifice provide the perfect example of love and redemption for all believers.