Pelethites פְּלֵתִי
Elite military unit loyal to King David
Who is Pelethites in the Bible?
The Pelethites were an elite military unit that served as part of King David's personal guard and army, often mentioned alongside the Cherethites throughout the Old Testament (2 Samuel 8:18; 15:18; 20:7,23; 1 Kings 1:38,44; 1 Chronicles 18:17). These warriors were likely foreign mercenaries, possibly of Philistine origin, who pledged their allegiance to David and became known for their unwavering loyalty to the king. They played a significant role in key events during David's reign, including helping him suppress Absalom's rebellion and later supporting Solomon's claim to the throne. The presence of the Pelethites in David's forces demonstrates both his military strength and the international nature of his army, reflecting his ability to command respect and loyalty from diverse groups of soldiers.
Biography
The Pelethites were an elite military unit that served as part of King David's personal guard and army, often mentioned alongside the Cherethites (2Sa.8.18; 15.18; 20.7,23; 1Ki.1.38,44; 1Ch.18.17). They were known for their loyalty to David and played a significant role in supporting him during his reign. The Pelethites and Cherethites were likely foreign mercenaries, possibly of Philistine origin, who had pledged their allegiance to David. They were involved in key events, such as helping David quell Absalom's rebellion (2Sa.15.18) and supporting Solomon's claim to the throne (1Ki.1.38,44). The presence of these elite warriors demonstrates David's military strength and the diversity of his army.
In Scripture
3 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."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hebrew | פְּלֵתִי |