Cherethim

(Ezek. 25:16), more frequently Cherethites, the inhabitants of Southern Philistia, the Philistines (Zephaniah 2:5). The Cherethites and the Pelethites were David's life-guards (1 Samuel 30:14; 2 Samuel 8:18; 20:7, 23; 23:23). This name is by some interpreted as meaning "Cretans," and by others "executioners," who were ready to execute the king's sentence of death (Genesis 37:36, marg.; 1 Kings 2:25).




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