The Cherethites and Pelethites were non-Israelite soldiers from Crete and Philistia who served as private militia.1 Loyal to David, they sprang into action in moments of crisis. They marched out with the king when Absalom’s rebellion forced him to abandon Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:18), they assisted in the pursuit of the rebellious Sheba son of Bichri (2 Samuel 20:7), and they were present (with Benaiah) when Zadok anointed Solomon as David’s successor.2
18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and David’s sons were priests.