The term "Pelethite" refers to a group of people mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of King David's reign. The Pelethites, along with the Cherethites, formed an elite group of warriors who served as part of David's personal bodyguard. They are often mentioned in conjunction with the Cherethites, indicating a close association between the two groups.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 8:18 : "Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests." This verse highlights the leadership of Benaiah over the Pelethites, indicating their importance in the military hierarchy of David's kingdom.

2. 2 Samuel 20:7 : "So Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, Pelethites, and all the mighty warriors, set out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bichri." Here, the Pelethites are depicted as part of the force mobilized to quell the rebellion led by Sheba, showcasing their role in maintaining the stability of David's reign.

3. 1 Kings 1:38 : "So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and they took him to Gihon." This passage illustrates the Pelethites' involvement in the anointing of Solomon as king, underscoring their loyalty to the Davidic line.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The exact origin of the Pelethites is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, leading to various scholarly interpretations. Some suggest that the Pelethites, like the Cherethites, may have been of Philistine origin, possibly mercenaries who aligned themselves with David. This theory is supported by the fact that David had interactions with the Philistines during his time in exile and may have formed alliances with certain groups.

The role of the Pelethites as part of David's bodyguard indicates their elite status and the trust David placed in them. Their mention alongside the Cherethites and the mighty warriors suggests that they were highly skilled and valued for their military prowess.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of the Pelethites in the biblical narrative highlights the diverse composition of David's kingdom. It reflects the unifying power of David's leadership, which brought together various groups under a common purpose. The Pelethites' loyalty to David and their participation in key events, such as the anointing of Solomon, emphasize the theme of divine providence and the establishment of the Davidic dynasty, which holds significant messianic implications in Christian theology.

The presence of the Pelethites in the biblical account serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty in using diverse peoples and circumstances to fulfill His purposes, ultimately pointing to the coming of the Messiah through the line of David.Pelethite (7 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.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 15:18
All his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men who came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 20:7
There went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men; and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 20:23
Now Joab was over all the army of Israel; and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

1 Kings 1:38
So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride on king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

1 Kings 1:44
The king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and they have caused him to ride on the king's mule.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

1 Chronicles 18:17
and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Pelethite (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pelethite (7 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 8:18 and Benaiah
the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the ...
/p/pelethite.htm - 8k

Pelethites (7 Occurrences)

/p/pelethites.htm - 10k

Peleth (2 Occurrences)

/p/peleth.htm - 7k

Elder (34 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 18:17 and Benaiah son of Jehoiada 'is' over the Cherethite and the
Pelethite, and the elder sons of David 'are' at the hand of the king. (YLT). ...
/e/elder.htm - 27k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus