Reference: CHERETHITES OR CHERETHIM,

1. A portion of the Philistines, supposed by many to have originated in Crete, 1Sa 30:14; Eze 25:16; Zep 2:5.

2. A portion of David's bodyguard, always mentioned with the Pelethites, 2Sa 8:18; 15:18; 20:7; 1Ch 18:17. Some suppose that they were foreigners, whom David took into his service while among the Philistines. The Gittites mentioned with them in 2Sa 15:18, were plainly such. Others think they had their name from their office-executioners and runners. See PELETHITES.