The Cherethites are a group mentioned several times in the Old Testament, often in conjunction with the Pelethites. They are primarily recognized as part of King David's elite military forces. The term "Cherethites" is believed to refer to a people of Philistine origin, possibly from the island of Crete, as suggested by the similarity in the names. This connection is supported by the Septuagint translation, which uses "Cretans" for "Cherethites."

Biblical References:

1. David's Elite Guard: The Cherethites, along with the Pelethites, are frequently mentioned as part of King David's personal bodyguard. In 2 Samuel 8:18, it is recorded, "Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests." This indicates their significant role in the administration and military structure of David's reign. Similarly, 2 Samuel 20:7 states, "So Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, Pelethites, and all the mighty warriors, set out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bichri."

2. Loyalty and Service: The Cherethites are depicted as loyal and trusted servants of King David. Their inclusion in the king's personal guard underscores their reliability and the trust David placed in them. In 1 Kings 1:38, during the anointing of Solomon, "Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and they took him to Gihon."

3. Role in David's Reign: The Cherethites played a crucial role during various events in David's life, including his flight from Absalom and the subsequent restoration of his kingdom. Their presence in these narratives highlights their importance in the political and military affairs of Israel during this period.

4. Philistine Connection: The association of the Cherethites with the Philistines is further supported by Ezekiel 25:16, where God declares judgment against the Philistines, including the Cherethites: "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant along the coast.’" This passage suggests that the Cherethites were considered part of the Philistine confederation.

5. Zephaniah's Prophecy: In Zephaniah 2:5, the Cherethites are again mentioned in a prophecy against the Philistines: "Woe to the inhabitants 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.’" This further emphasizes their identity as a distinct group within the Philistine territories.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Cherethites, as part of the Philistine people, were likely of Aegean origin, possibly migrating from Crete to the coastal regions of Canaan. Their integration into Israelite society, particularly as part of David's military forces, reflects the complex interactions between the Israelites and their neighboring peoples. The Cherethites' role as elite guards and their mention in prophetic judgments against the Philistines highlight their dual identity as both foreigners and integral members of David's administration.

The Cherethites' presence in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the diverse and multifaceted nature of ancient Israelite society, where alliances and enmities often transcended ethnic and national boundaries.Cher'ethites (10 Occurrences)

1 Samuel 30:14
We made a raid upon the South of the Cherethites, and upon that which belongeth to Judah, and upon the South of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 8:18
and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief ministers.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 15:18
And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men that came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 20:7
And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men; and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 20:23
Now Joab was over all the host of Israel; and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites;
(See RSV)

1 Kings 1:38
So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.
(See RSV)

1 Kings 1:44
And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 18:17
and Beniah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king.
(See RSV)

Ezekiel 25:16
Therefore, thus said the Lord Jehovah: Lo, I am stretching out My hand against the Philistines, And I have cut off the Cherethim, And destroyed the remnant of the haven of the sea,
(See RSV)

Zephaniah 2:5
Ho! O inhabitants of the sea-coast, Nation of the Cherethites, A word of Jehovah 'is' against you, Canaan, land of the Philistines, And I have destroyed thee without an inhabitant.
(See RSV)

Cher'ethites (10 Occurrences)
Cher'ethites. Cherethites, Cher'ethites. Cherish . Multi-Version Concordance
Cher'ethites (10 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 30:14 We made ...
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Cherish (20 Occurrences)

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Cherethites (11 Occurrences)

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