People associated with Philistines, a group of whom served as mercenaries under King David.
About Pelethites
The Pelethites were special bodyguards who protected King David. They were loyal mercenaries (paid soldiers who were likely from another country). They stayed with David during difficult political times. The Pelethites are always mentioned together with the Cherethites in the Bible. Scholars believe that both groups come from the Philistines, with Crete as their place of origin. This connection makes sense because Caphtor, which is generally understood to be Crete, was the original home of the Philistines (Amos 9:7).
The Pelethites accompanied David when he had to leave Jerusalem because his son Absalom was trying to take over the kingdom (2 Samuel 15:18). They also fought for David during the rebellion of Sheba (20:7).
Key References
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders.
So Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri.
All Scripture References (7)
2 Samuel (4)
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders.
and all his servants marched past him—all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath.
So Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri.
Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;
1 Kings (2)
Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon.
And with Solomon, the king has sent Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, and they have set him on the king’s mule.
1 Chronicles (1)
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief officials at the king’s side.