Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
(
Ezek. 25:16), more frequently Cherethites, the inhabitants of Southern Philistia, the Philistines (
Zeph. 2:5). The Cherethites and the Pelethites were David's life-guards (
1 Sam. 30:14; 2 Sam. 8:18, 20:7, 23, 23:23). This name is by some interpreted as meaning "Cretans," and by others "executioners," who were ready to execute the king's sentence of death (
Gen. 37:36, marg.;
1 Ki. 2:25).