Cherethites כְּרֵתִי
Philistine tribe, often serving as royal guard
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 made a raid on the South of the Cherethites, and on that which belongs to Judah, and on the South of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.”"
Zephaniah 1 verse Study available
- Zephaniah 2:5
"Woe to the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! Yahweh’s word is against you, Canaan, the land of the Philistines. I will destroy you, that there will be no inhabitant."
Study Zephaniah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group | Hebrew | כְּרֵתִי | H3774G |
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