Topical Encyclopedia
The Pelethites are a group mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the historical narratives concerning King David's reign. They are often referenced alongside the Cherethites, forming a distinct unit within David's military forces. The exact nature and origin of the Pelethites are subjects of scholarly discussion, but they are generally understood to be part of David's elite guard.
Biblical References:The primary references to the Pelethites are found in the books of Samuel and Chronicles. In
2 Samuel 8:18, the text states, "Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests." This passage highlights the leadership structure within David's administration, with Benaiah, a trusted warrior, overseeing these groups.
Similarly,
2 Samuel 20:23 notes, "Now Joab was over all the army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites." This indicates the continued importance of the Pelethites in the military hierarchy during David's reign.
In
1 Chronicles 18:17, the chronicler reiterates, "Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief officials at the king’s side." This repetition underscores the significance of the Pelethites as part of the king's personal guard and their role in maintaining the stability of David's rule.
Role and Function:The Pelethites, along with the Cherethites, are often considered to be mercenaries or foreign troops who were loyal to David. Their inclusion in the royal guard suggests they were highly trusted and skilled warriors. The exact ethnic or geographical origins of the Pelethites are not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, leading to various interpretations. Some scholars propose that they may have been Philistines or from a related group, given the similar mention of the Cherethites, who are often associated with the Philistines.
The role of the Pelethites as part of David's elite forces is indicative of the king's strategy to consolidate power by surrounding himself with loyal and capable soldiers. This practice of employing foreign or mercenary troops was not uncommon in the ancient Near East and served to bolster the king's security against internal and external threats.
Theological Significance:From a theological perspective, the inclusion of the Pelethites in the biblical narrative highlights the diverse composition of David's kingdom and the unifying power of his leadership. Despite their likely foreign origin, the Pelethites' loyalty to David reflects the broader theme of God's providence in establishing and maintaining the Davidic dynasty. Their presence in the biblical account serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to David, ensuring the stability and expansion of his kingdom.
The Pelethites, therefore, are more than just a military unit; they symbolize the inclusivity and strength of David's reign, which foreshadows the ultimate unity and peace anticipated in the messianic kingdom.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Pelethitesjudges; destroyers
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Pelethites(couriers). [CHERETHITES]
ATS Bible Dictionary
PelethitesAre always mentioned together with the Cherethites, as constituting the king's bodyguard,2 Samuel 8:18 22:23. The word, if not the name of a Jewish or a Philistine family, is supposed to signify runners; and thus they would seem to have been the royal messengers; just as the Cherethites, from a Hebrew word signifying to cut off, were the king's executioners. See CHERETHITES.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Mentioned always along with the Cherethites, and only in the time of David. The word probably means "runners" or "couriers," and may denote that while forming part of David's bodyguard, they were also sometimes employed as couriers (
2 Samuel 8:18;
20:7, 23;
1 Kings 1:38, 44;
1 Chronicles 18:17). Some, however, think that these are the names simply of two Philistine tribes from which David selected his body-guard. They are mentioned along with the Gittites (
2 Samuel 15:18), another body of foreign troops whom David gathered round him.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PELETHITESpel'-e-thits, pe'-leth-its (pelethi): A company of David's bodyguard, like the CHERETHITES (which see) (2 Samuel 8:18;2 Samuel 15:18); probably a corrupt form of "Philistines."
Strong's Hebrew
6432. Pelethi -- some of David's soldiers... 6431, 6432. Pelethi. 6433 . some of David's soldiers. Transliteration: Pelethi
Phonetic Spelling: (pel-ay-thee') Short Definition:
Pelethites.
...Pelethites.
...Library
David Appointing Solomon
... So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and
the Cherethites, and thePelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride...
Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
... And so it is said (2 Samuel 20:23), And Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was over the
Cherethites, and over thePelethites.' And why was their name called...
A Loyal Vow
... Mostly foreigners, I say, for these hard words 'Cherethites andPelethites' most
probably mean inhabitants of the island of Crete, and Philistines....
The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of...
... At the time of his coronation, Solomon was followed by an army of soldiers (the
"Cherethites and thePelethites") (1 Kings 1:38), just as our returning King...
The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine...
... The Cherethites andPelethites were soldiers, so that Solomon was followed by an
army at the time of his coronation (I Kings 1:33; cp. Rev.19:11)....
Thesaurus
Pelethites (7 Occurrences)... him. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
PELETHITES. pel'-e
... Philistines.".
Multi-Version Concordance
Pelethites (7 Occurrences). 2 Samuel
...Pelethite (7 Occurrences)
... Pelethite (7 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 8:18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over
the Cherethites and thePelethites; and David's sons were chief ministers....
Pel'ethites (7 Occurrences)
Pel'ethites.Pelethites, Pel'ethites. Pelias . Multi-Version Concordance
Pel'ethites (7 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 8:18 and Benaiah...
Cherethites (11 Occurrences)
... Philistine clan. In conjunction with thePelethites they are frequently named
as forming the guard of David (2 Samuel 8:18, etc.). It...
Kerethites (9 Occurrences)
... 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 NIV)....
Cher'ethites (10 Occurrences)
... 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)....
Cherethite (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 8:18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites
and thePelethites; and David's sons were chief ministers....
Jehoi'ada (50 Occurrences)
... Jehoi'ada (50 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 8:18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over
the Cherethites and thePelethites; and David's sons were chief ministers....
Benai'ah (43 Occurrences)
... Benai'ah (43 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 8:18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over
the Cherethites and thePelethites; and David's sons were chief ministers....
Benaiah (44 Occurrences)
... (1.) The son of Jehoiada, chief priest (1 Chronicles 27:5). He was set by David
over his body-guard of Cherethites andPelethites (2 Samuel 8:18; 1 Kings 1:32...
Resources
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