Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Serpent. ) King of the Ammonites in the time of Saul. The inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead having been exposed to great danger from Nahash, sent messengers to Gibeah to inform Saul of their extremity. He promptly responded to the call, and gathering together an army he marched against Nahash. “And it came to pass that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them [the Ammonites] were not left together” (1 Sam. 11:1-11). ) Another king of the Ammonites of the same name is mentioned, who showed kindness to David during his wanderings (2 Sam. 10:2).
On his death David sent an embassy of sympathy to Hanun, his son and successor, at Rabbah Ammon, his capital. The grievous insult which was put upon these ambassadors led to a war against the Ammonites, who, with their allies the Syrians, were completely routed in a battle fought at “the entering in of the gate,” probably of Medeba (2 Sam. 10:6-14). Again Hadarezer rallied the Syrian host, which was totally destroyed by the Israelite army under Joab in a decisive battle fought at Helam (2 Sam. 10:17), near to Hamath (1 Chr. 18:3).
“So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more” (2 Sam. 10:19). ) The father of Amasa, who was commander-in-chief of Abasolom’s army (2 Sam. 17:25). Jesse’s wife had apparently been first married to this man, to whom she bore Abigail and Zeruiah, who were thus David’s sisters, but only on the mother’s side (1 Chr. 2:16).
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
(serpent).
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
NA'HASH (serpent). An Ammonite king. He offered to Jabesh-gilead a treaty on condition that the citizens should submit to the loss of their right eyes. This cruel stipulation aroused the indignation of Saul, who went to the assistance of the city and defeated its enemies. At a subsequent period he was on friendly relations with David. 2 Sam 10:2. Mentioned 2 Sam 17:25 as father of Abigail. Some identify him with Jesse, and others with Nahash, king of the Ammonites.
Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869)
snake; serpent