Mutilation of captured prisoners or defeated enemies was a common practice in the ancient Near East.1 Removing the right eye would make most men unfit for war.2 When it comes to shooting a bow3 or fighting with shield,4 in either case the men would be hampered and unable to fight properly. This is why Nahash wants to remove the right eyes. In doing so, he brings disgrace upon Israel not only because many men from the half tribe of Manasseh were now maimed, but also because their maiming would testify to the weakness of Israel since they could not help their brother.
2 Mais Nachasch, l'Ammonite, leur répondit: Je traiterai avec vous à la condition que je vous crève à tous l'œil droit, et que j'imprime ainsi un opprobre sur tout Israël.