2 Samuel 8:18

“And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over both the Cherethites and Pelethites, etc.] These, according to Josephus f154, were the king’s bodyguards, and this man is expressly said to be set over his guards, (<102322>2 Samuel 23:22,23); and which some think were of the nation of the Philistines, famous for archery, and slinging of stones; and so the Targum renders it, “was appointed over the archers and slingers;” so “choriti” in Virgil f155 are quivers for arrows; the great use of which in fighting David had observed, and therefore got a select company of these men, partly to teach Israel, and partly to guard himself: but others are of opinion that David would never suffer such as were…”

“Cherethites--that is, Philistines (Zep 2:5). Pelethites--from Pelet (Ch1 12:3). They were the valiant men who, having accompanied David during his exile among the Philistines, were made his bodyguard. Next: 2 Samuel Chapter 9”

“For a similar account of the officers of Solomon’s kingdom, see 1 Kings 4:1-6, where Jehoshaphat is still the recorder, and Benaiah is advanced to be captain of the host in the room of Joab. The recorder seems to have been a high officer of state, a kind of chancellor, whose office was to keep a record of the events of the kingdom for the king’s information, and hence, he would naturally be the king’s adviser. See Esther 6:1-2; Isaiah 36:22; 2 Chronicles 34:8. Such an officer is found among the ancient Egyptians and Persians. Ahimelech the son of Abiathar - According to 1 Samuel 22:9-23, Abiathar, Zadok’s colleague, was the son of Ahimelech. Abiathar the son of Ahimelech continued to be…”

“Cherethites, &c. - The Cherethites and Pelethites were undoubtedly soldiers, and such as were eminent for their valour and fidelity. Most probable they were the king's guards, which consisted of these two bands, who might be distinguished either by their several weapons, or by the differing time or manner of their service. They are supposed to be thus called either, first, from their office, which was upon the king's command to cut off or punish offenders, and to preserve the king's person, as their names in the Hebrew tongue may seem to imply. Or, secondly, from some country, or place to which they had relation. As for the Cherithites, it is certain they were ether a branch of the…”

“8:18 the king’s bodyguard: Hebrew the Kerethites and Pelethites. Both peoples were probably foreigners, especially the Kerethites, who might have come from the island of Crete (see also 1 Sam 30:14; Ezek 25:16). These groups might have been Philistine mercenaries. • David’s sons served as priestly leaders: David was from Judah and was not a Levite. Alongside the traditional priesthood, David might have inaugurated a religious class specifically tied to his dynasty, probably to serve the royal court (see also study note on 2 Sam 20:26).”

“Benaiah: Kg1 1:44, Kg1 2:34, Kg1 2:35; Ch1 18:17 the Cherethites: Sa2 15:18, Sa2 20:7, Sa2 20:23, Sa2 23:20-23; Sa1 30:14; Eze 25:16; Zep 2:5 chief rulers: or, princes, Sa2 20:26 Next: 2 Kings (2 Samuel) Chapter 9”

“Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a very brave hero of Kabzeel (see at Sa2 23:20.), was over the Crethi and Plethi. Instead of והכּרתי, which gives no sense, and must be connected in some way with Kg1 1:38, Kg1 1:44, we must read הכּרתי על according to the parallel passage Sa2 20:23, and the corresponding text of the Chronicles. The Crethi and Plethi were the king's body-guard, σωματοφύλακες (Josephus, Ant. vii. 5, 4). The words are adjectives in form, but with a substantive meaning, and were used to indicate a certain rank, lit. the executioners and runners, like השּׁלישׁי ( Sa2 23:8). כּרתי, from כּרת, to cut down or exterminate, signifies confessor, because among the Israelites (see at Kg1…”