The Carites are a group mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's reign. They are often associated with the Cherethites and Pelethites, who served as part of David's elite military forces. The Carites are referenced in 2 Kings 11:4, where they are involved in the events surrounding the protection and enthronement of Joash, the rightful heir to the throne of Judah.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 11:4 : "Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada sent for the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards. He had them come to him in the house of the LORD, where he made a covenant with them and put them under oath. He showed them the king’s son."

In this passage, the Carites are mentioned alongside the guards, indicating their role as protectors or soldiers. Jehoiada, the high priest, entrusts them with the critical task of safeguarding the young Joash, who was hidden in the temple to protect him from Queen Athaliah's murderous intentions. The Carites' involvement in this pivotal moment underscores their importance and reliability as part of the royal guard.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Carites, like the Cherethites and Pelethites, are believed to have been foreign mercenaries or a specialized group within the Israelite military structure. Their exact origins are not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, but they are thought to have been of Philistine or Cretan descent, as suggested by the association with the Cherethites, who are often linked to Crete.

Their role as part of the king's bodyguard or elite troops highlights the practice of employing foreign soldiers for their loyalty and military prowess. This was a common practice in the ancient Near East, where kings would often rely on mercenaries to ensure their personal security and maintain control over their reign.

Theological Significance:

The inclusion of the Carites in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of preserving the Davidic line, reflects the providential care and sovereignty of God in maintaining His covenant promises. Despite the political turmoil and threats to the Davidic dynasty, God uses various means, including the loyalty and bravery of groups like the Carites, to fulfill His purposes.

The Carites' role in the protection and eventual enthronement of Joash serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, ensuring that his lineage would continue as promised. This event also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant through the coming of Jesus Christ, the eternal King from the line of David.

Conclusion:

While the Carites are not extensively mentioned in the Bible, their presence in the narrative of 2 Kings 11 highlights their significance in the history of Israel and Judah. Their involvement in the protection of the Davidic line underscores the themes of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises throughout the biblical narrative.CARITES

kar'-i-tez (kari), ("one ready," "life-guardsman"): A body of troops mentioned in 2 Kings 11:4, 19 (the King James Version "captains"). Instead of CHERETHITES (which see), the Kethibh of 2 Samuel 20:23 offers the reading Carites.

3746. Kari -- bodyguard of Jehoash
... 3745, 3746. Kari. 3747 . bodyguard of Jehoash. Transliteration: Kari Phonetic
Spelling: (kaw-ree') Short Definition: Carites. Word ...
/hebrew/3746.htm - 6kCarites (2 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia CARITES. ... Instead of CHERETHITES (which see), the Kethibh
of 2 Samuel 20:23 offers the reading Carites. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/c/carites.htm - 7k

Guards (42 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:4 And in the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over
hundreds, of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to him into the ...
/g/guards.htm - 18k

Caring (23 Occurrences)

/c/caring.htm - 14k

Captains (159 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:4 In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over hundreds
of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to him into the house ...
/c/captains.htm - 42k

Units (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:4 In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over hundreds
of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to him into the house ...
/u/units.htm - 10k

Joash (49 Occurrences)
... for by the young king being privately exhibited to the 5 captains of the "executioners"
(the Revised Version (British and American) "Carites") and "runners" (2 ...
/j/joash.htm - 41k

Jehoi'ada (50 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:4 And in the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over
hundreds, of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to him into the ...
/j/jehoi'ada.htm - 21k

Hundreds (28 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:4 In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over hundreds
of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to him into the house ...
/h/hundreds.htm - 17k

Fetched (26 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:4 In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over hundreds
of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to him into the house ...
/f/fetched.htm - 14k

Marching (17 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:19 He took the captains over hundreds, and the Carites, and the guard,
and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house ...
/m/marching.htm - 12k

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