(Ezek. 25:16), more frequently Cherethites, the inhabitants of Southern Philistia, the Philistines (Zeph. 2:5). The Cherethites and the Pelethites were David’s life-guards (1 Sam. 30:14; 2 Sam. 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 (Gen. 37:36, marg.; 1 Kings 2:25).
BIBLE DICTIONARY + WORD STUDY
Cherethim
Historical dictionary entry
Scripture references
Ezekiel 25:16Zephaniah 2:51 Samuel 30:142 Samuel 8:182 Samuel 20:72 Samuel 20:232 Samuel 23:23Genesis 37:361 Kings 2:25
Source: Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897). Historical dictionary wording reflects the scholarship and language of its era.