Cherethims, Cherethites. [Chere'thims, Chere'thites]
1. Inhabitants of the southern parts of Philistia. 1 Samuel 30:14; Ezekiel 25:16; Zephaniah 2:5. In the last two passages, the LXX read 'Cretans.' It is supposed that they were people from Crete, who had settled on the coast of Palestine.
2. Body-guard of David and officers sent to do service, doubtless originally the same as No. 1. They were faithful to David at the revolt of Absalom. 2 Samuel 8:18; 2 Samuel 1:15; 2 Samuel 1:20, 2 Samuel 1:20; 1 Kings 1:1, 1 Kings 1:1; 1 Chronicles 1:18.