Bible Dictionary
Cherethites
The Cherethites were a Philistine people living in southern Palestine. Together with the Pelethites, they formed part of David’s royal guard and were apparently used as trusted soldiers and officers.
Definition
The Cherethites were a people of southern Palestine whose territory bordered Judah. They are identified as a Philistine clan and are frequently named with the Pelethites as David’s royal guard.
Biblical Usage
The Cherethites appear in descriptions of Philistine territory and in prophecies against the Philistines. As David’s guards, they served as trusted soldiers and were associated with royal military and official duties.
Historical Background
The Septuagint renders the name “Cretans,” though the supplied material says this may have been based only on sound. Ancient monarchs commonly employed foreign mercenaries as guards, which may explain their service in David’s court.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(executioners) and of King David. (2 Samuel 8:18; 15:18; 20:7,23; 1 Kings 1:38,44; 1 Chronicles 18:17) It is plain that these royal guards were employed as executioners., (2 Kings 11:4) and as couriers, (1 Kings 14:27) But it has been conjectured that they may have been foreign mercenaries, and therefore probably Philistines, of which name Pelethites may be only another form.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ker'-e-thits (kerethim, ha-kerethi; Chelethi "executioners," "life-guardsmen"): A people in South Palestine whose territory bordered upon that of Judah (1Sa 30:14). In 1Sa 30:16 this land is apparently identical with that of the Philistines. In Eze 25:16 the Philistines and the Cherethites are threatened together; while in Zep 2:5 the Cherethites are evidently the dwellers in "the land of the Philistines," "the inhabitants of the seacoast." Septuagint in both Ezekiel and Zephaniah renders the name "Cretans." The translators may have been "guided only by the sound." But Zeus Cretagenes in Gaza suggests a connection with the island of Crete. See, however, CAPHTOR. It may be taken as certain that the Cherethites were a Philistine clan. In conjunction with the Pelethites they are frequently named as forming the guard of David (2Sa 8:18, etc.). It was the custom of many ancient monarchs to have a guard of foreign mercenaries.</p><p>W. Ewing</p>