1 Chronicles 18:17

Benaiah Cp. 1 Chronicles 11:22-25.

the Cherethites and the Pelethites David's bodyguard. The Cherethites were almost certainly Philistines (1 Samuel 30:14; Ezekiel 25:16; Zephaniah 2:5), the Pelethites were probably also Philistines (2 Samuel 15:18). Neither were heard of after the time of David unless the Caritesof 2 Kings 11:4 (R.V.) are the Cherethites. Foreign bodyguards are well-known in history.

chief about the king Lit., the chief at the king's hand, i.e. formed the executive to carry out his commands; cp. Nehemiah 11:24. In 2 Samuel 8:18 (R.V.) David's sons are described as priests. (Consult Baudissin, AT liches Priesterthum, p. 191.)