What are the…
Pelethites

Hebrew: פְּלֵתִי

These men are 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 bodyguard.

They are mentioned along with the Gittites (2 Samuel 15:18), another body of foreign troops whom David gathered round him.

• What are Cherethites? (aka Cherethim)
• What is a Gittite? Who do they include?
• About guards and bodyguards in the Bible
• About the ancient Israelite army
• Who is David? and why is he very important?