These formed a part of David's guard. They are always grouped with the Cherethites. It is uncertain from whence they came or what the name signifies. 2 Samuel 8:18; 2 Samuel 15:18; 2 Samuel 20:7,23; 1 Kings 1:38,44; 1 Chronicles 18:17 . Gesenius calls them 'public couriers,' doubtless because peleth means 'swiftness.' The LXX and Vulgate leave the name untranslated. Some trace the word to the Philistines.