Pelethites

The Pelethites were a group of elite royal soldiers who served alongside the Cherethites as David's personal bodyguard throughout his reign. The two groups are consistently mentioned together (2 Samuel 8:18; 15:18; 20:7; 1 Kings 1:38, 44) and formed the core of David's standing professional military force, distinct from the broader tribal army. Their commander was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, one of David's most trusted officers.

The origin of the Pelethites is debated. Their name may connect them to the Philistines (Pelishtim), suggesting they were Philistine mercenaries who had attached themselves to David during his time in Philistine territory — similar to the six hundred Gittites under Ittai who remained loyal to David during Absalom's revolt (2 Samuel 15:18–22). They remained loyal to David through Absalom's rebellion and to Solomon against Adonijah's attempted usurpation, escorting Solomon to his anointing at Gihon (1 Kings 1:38). After David's reign, the Pelethites disappear from the biblical record.