Cherethites כְּרֵתִי
Member of Philistine tribe serving as royal guard
Who is Cherethites in the Bible?
The Cherethites were a Philistine tribe who served as elite royal guards and soldiers for the Israelite kings, particularly during the reigns of David and Solomon. Along with another group called the Pelethites, they formed part of the king's personal bodyguard and military force, as mentioned throughout 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles (2Sa.8.18; 1Ki.1.38; 1Ch.18.17). During David's reign, the Cherethites demonstrated remarkable loyalty, remaining faithful to him during Absalom's rebellion (2Sa.15.18) and helping to suppress Sheba's revolt (2Sa.20.7). They continued their service under Solomon, playing a crucial role in securing his kingship against his brother Adonijah's attempted coup (1Ki.1.38, 44). Their prominence in biblical accounts illustrates how foreign warriors could gain positions of trust and authority within Israel's government, serving as symbols of the king's power and the stability of the monarchy.
Biography
The Cherethites, along with the Pelethites, were a group of Philistine warriors who served as loyal guards and soldiers for Israelite kings, particularly during the reigns of David and Solomon. They are mentioned multiple times in the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles.
During David's reign, the Cherethites and Pelethites were part of his royal bodyguard and army (2Sa.8.18; 15.18; 20.7, 23). They remained loyal to David during Absalom's rebellion (2Sa.15.18) and helped suppress the revolt led by Sheba (2Sa.20.7).
When Solomon ascended to the throne, the Cherethites and Pelethites supported him and played a role in securing his kingship against Adonijah's attempted coup (1Ki.1.38, 44). They continued to serve in the royal guard during Solomon's reign (1Ki.11.4; 2Ki.11.19).
The Cherethites' consistent loyalty and military support for the Davidic kings suggest that they were a trusted and elite group of warriors, likely drawn from the Philistine tribe of the same name.
In Scripture
4 biblical books2 Samuel 4 verses
- 2 Samuel 8:18
"Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders."
- 2 Samuel 15:18
"and all his servants marched past him—all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath."
- 2 Samuel 20:7
"So Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri."
- 2 Samuel 20:23
"Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;"
1 Kings 2 verses
- 1 Kings 1:38
"Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon."
- 1 Kings 1:44
"And with Solomon, the king has sent Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, and they have set him on the king’s mule."
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 18:17
"Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief officials at the king’s side."
2 Kings 2 verses
- 2 Kings 11:4
"Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada sent for the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and had them brought into the house of the LORD. There he made a covenant with them and put them under oath. He showed them the king’s son"
- 2 Kings 11:19
"He took with him the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, the guards, and all the people of the land, and they brought the king down from the house of the LORD and entered the royal palace by way of the Gate of the Guards. Then Joash took his seat on the royal throne,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group | Hebrew | כְּרֵתִי | a Kerethite or life-guardsman |
| Group | Hebrew | כָּרִי | — |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | כָּרִי | — |