NAAS (Hebr. Nāḥās “serpent”). – The name of two Ammonites, an Israelite, and a city.
1. King of the “sons of Ammon” who, shortly after Saul’s election, besieged Jabesh of Gilead. In the face of the humiliating condition imposed by N. for surrender, the besieged asked for a respite of 7 days and sent to seek help from the other Israelites. Saul came to their aid and defeated the Ammonites (I Sam. 11, 1-11; 12, 12). N.’s relations with David, on the other hand, were cordial (II Sam. 10, 2; I Par. 19, 1).
2. Another Ammonite, father of Shobi of Rabbath, who brought provisions to the fugitive David at Mahanaim (II Sam. 17, 27). He may be identified with the preceding one.
3. Father of Abigail and of Zeruiah, mother of Joab (ibid. 17, 25). He is ordinarily identified with Jesse, father of David; cf. I Par. 2, 16.
4. City mentioned in the list of Judah (I Par. 4, 12). It is probably the present-day Dejr Naḥḥās.