Bible Dictionaries
Pelethites

Holman Bible Dictionary

(pee' lehth itess) A family name meaning, “courier.” Foreign mercenaries King David employed as body guards and special forces. Their leader was Benaiah (2 Samuel 8:18 ). The Pelethites are mentioned in conjunction with the Cherethites. These two groups probably were sea peoples who formed a loyalty to David during his days in the Philistine country while evading Saul. They remained with him until his death, fighting for him during the rebellions against his throne. Following his death, they helped Solomon purge the kingdom of David's enemies. See Cherethites.