What was Cherethims?

The Cherethims (also spelled Cherethites) were an ancient people group mentioned in the Old Testament, most notably in Ezekiel 25:16 as recipients of divine judgment alongside the Philistines. The Hebrew term for Cherethims is כְּרֵתִים (K’rethim), possibly meaning “executioners” or “cutters down,” though some scholars link the term to a geographic origin, suggesting it may mean “Cretans,” indicating a connection with the island of Crete. This interpretation aligns with ancient traditions and historical suggestions that the Philistines and their related clans had Aegean roots.

Cherethims are also mentioned in connection with King David, where they appear as part of his elite military guard (2 Samuel 8:18; 1 Kings 1:38). However, in the prophetic books such as Ezekiel, the focus is not on their service but their participation in the sins of the Philistines and their eventual destruction by God’s judgment.

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Ezekiel 25:16 – “Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am about to stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will wipe out the Kerethites and destroy those remaining along the coast.”

• Zephaniah 2:5 – “Woe to you who live by the sea, you Kerethite people; the word of the LORD is against you, Canaan, land of the Philistines—he says, ‘I will destroy you, and none will be left.’”

• 1 Samuel 30:14 – Indicates their southern coastal location: “…we raided the Negev of the Kerethites…”

• 2 Samuel 8:18; 2 Samuel 20:23 – Describes the Cherethites (and Pelethites) as part of David’s personal bodyguard or official force.

• 1 Kings 1:38, 44 – Shows their continued presence and role in Israelite royal affairs.

These references show that the Cherethims were both a distinct ethnic group associated with the Philistines and a term applied to elite troops in the service of Israel‘s king, possibly reflecting either adoption or conversion.

What Happened in the Bible?

In Ezekiel 25, the Cherethims are grouped with the Philistines as targets of God‘s judgment. This prophecy arises because of their long-standing enmity and violence toward Israel. God, speaking through Ezekiel, declares that He will cut them off and punish them severely for their hatred and actions against His people.

Zephaniah 2 also prophesies the downfall of the Cherethite people and the broader Philistine territory. The prophetic tone is not merely political or nationalistic—it is theological. Their sin was not only violence against Israel but resistance against God Himself, who had chosen Israel as His covenant people.

Interestingly, in other portions of Scripture, the Cherethites appear as loyal soldiers under King David. This dual portrayal—enemies in the prophetic books and servants in the historical books—may indicate that “Cherethite” came to represent both an ethnic identity and a specialized military class.

Meaning for Today’s Christians

For Christians today, the mention of the Cherethims in judgment passages like Ezekiel 25 serves as a solemn reminder of God‘s justice. The Lord is not indifferent to persistent sin, cruelty, or hostility toward His people. Nations and groups that act in defiance of God’s purposes and harm His people eventually face judgment.

However, the earlier use of Cherethites in David’s service shows that God can redeem individuals even from among groups once considered enemies. The inclusion of Gentiles in the redemptive plan of God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture and is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

How Their Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The fall of the Cherethims illustrates humanity’s universal guilt and need for salvation. It shows that judgment is real, but also that God’s mercy is not limited to ethnicity or heritage. The gospel of Jesus Christ opens the door of redemption to all—Jew and Gentile alike (Romans 1:16; Galatians 3:28).

Just as Cherethites served in the house of David, symbolizing inclusion and adoption, so too do Gentile believers now serve the Son of David—Jesus Christ—as His redeemed people. Where once people were outsiders or enemies of God, through Christ they can be brought near and made part of God‘s kingdom (Ephesians 2:12-13).

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereign Judgment

The destruction of the Cherethims shows God‘s authority over all nations. He is not just the God of Israel, but the Lord of all the earth. All nations are accountable to Him.

2. Enemies of God’s People Will Not Prevail

Those who rise up against God‘s people eventually face defeat. God‘s covenant with Israel, and later the Church, guarantees His protection and justice in due time.

3. Redemption Is Possible

Despite the judgment scenes, earlier references to Cherethites in royal service suggest that people from pagan nations could become part of God’s plan and people, a foreshadowing of the gospel’s inclusion of the Gentiles.

4. Foreshadowing of Christ’s Kingdom

The kingdom of David, in which Cherethites served loyally, foreshadows the kingdom of Christ, where people from every tribe, tongue, and nation serve the true King (Revelation 7:9).

Reflection Questions

1. What does the judgment of the Cherethims teach me about God’s holiness and justice?

2. How does the dual portrayal of the Cherethites—as both judged and yet also included in David’s service—inform my view of God‘s mercy?

3. In what ways do I need to submit my own identity and loyalties to the true King, Jesus Christ?

4. How does the gospel call me to view people who may seem like “outsiders” or “enemies” of the faith?

5. Am I trusting in God’s sovereign justice in the face of opposition or persecution?

The story of the Cherethims is more than a historical footnote. It is a thread in the larger biblical tapestry of sin, judgment, mercy, and the redemptive rule of Jesus Christ.