Cherethites כְּרֵתִי
Philistine tribe, often serving as royal guard
Who is Cherethites in the Bible?
The Cherethites were a Philistine tribe that inhabited the coastal regions of Canaan and often served as royal guards and soldiers for Israelite kings, particularly during the reigns of David and Solomon (2 Samuel 8:18, 15:18, 20:7, 1 Kings 1:38, 44). They lived in the Negev region, where their territory was raided by the Amalekites (1 Samuel 30:14). In biblical prophecy, the Cherethites appear alongside other Philistine groups as recipients of God's judgment for their hostility toward Israel, as recorded in Ezekiel 25:16 and Zephaniah 2:5. Their significance in Scripture illustrates the complex relationships between Israel and the Philistine peoples, showing how foreign groups could serve in royal positions while ultimately facing divine judgment for opposing God's people.
Biography
The Cherethites were a Philistine tribe mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament. In 1Sa.30.14, they are described as living in the Negev region, and their territory was raided by the Amalekites. The Cherethites, along with the Pelethites, often served as royal guards and soldiers for Israelite kings, particularly during the reigns of David and Solomon (2Sa.8.18; 15.18; 20.7; 1Ki.1.38,44). In prophetic oracles, Ezk.25.16 and Zep.2.5 mention the Cherethites as one of the Philistine groups facing God's judgment for their hostility towards Israel. The Cherethites are closely associated with the Philistines and were likely one of the major Philistine tribes settled in Canaan.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study content1 Samuel 1 verse
- 1 Samuel 30:14
"We raided the Negev of the Cherethites, the territory of Judah, and the Negev of Caleb, and we burned down Ziklag.”"
Zephaniah 1 verse
- Zephaniah 2:5
"Woe to the dwellers of the seacoast, O nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines: “I will destroy you, and no one will be left.”"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group | Hebrew | כְּרֵתִי | a Kerethite or life-guardsman |
Cherethites
isRef="Bible:1Sam.30.16">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.
W. Ewing