1 Chronicles 18:17

KJV

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David [were] chief about the king.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Benaiah {H1141} the son {H1121} of Jehoiada {H3077} was over the Cherethites {H3774} and the Pelethites {H6432}; and the sons {H1121} of David {H1732} were chief {H7223} about {H3027} the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

B'nayahu the son of Y'hoyada was in charge of the K'reti and P'leti [serving as the king's bodyguards], and David's sons were the king's chief personal advisers.

Berean Standard Bible

Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief officials at the king’s side.

American Standard Version

and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 18:17 provides a concise but insightful glimpse into the administrative and military architecture of King David's burgeoning kingdom, emphasizing the strategic placement of loyal and capable individuals within his inner circle. It highlights the critical roles played by Benaiah, a trusted commander overseeing David's elite personal guard, and the king's own sons, who held prominent advisory or administrative positions, thereby underscoring the structured governance and dynastic nature of the monarchy during a period of significant consolidation and expansion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 18-20) that meticulously chronicles David's military triumphs and the subsequent expansion and consolidation of his kingdom. Following the account of his victories over various surrounding nations—including the Philistines, Moabites, Zobah, and Edom—chapter 18 specifically details the establishment of David's administrative and military apparatus. Verses 14-17 serve as a summary of David's righteous reign and the key officials who helped him govern, with verse 17 specifically listing crucial personnel responsible for the king's personal security and the internal administration of the kingdom. This placement emphasizes that David's success was not merely military, but also deeply rooted in his ability to establish a stable and well-ordered government.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC), the transition from a tribal confederacy to a centralized monarchy in Israel was still relatively new. Establishing a strong, stable government with a loyal military and administrative core was paramount for national security and internal cohesion. The mention of the "Cherethites and Pelethites" points to a common practice in the ancient Near East where kings employed elite, often foreign, personal bodyguards known for their unwavering loyalty, distinct from the general national army. Their role was to protect the monarch and execute sensitive commands. The involvement of the "sons of David" in high-ranking positions reflects the dynastic principle common in ancient monarchies, where royal family members were integral to governance, ensuring loyalty and continuity.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 18:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's blessing on David's reign**, manifested in the stability and order of his kingdom, as seen in [1 Chronicles 18:6](/1_chronicles/18-6 "1 Chronicles 18:6 - God Gives David Victory"). Secondly, it highlights the importance of **wise and organized leadership**, demonstrating David's capacity to delegate authority and build a competent team, a principle echoed in [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel"). Thirdly, the verse subtly emphasizes **loyalty and trust** within the king's inner circle, essential for maintaining royal authority and security, particularly in a period of consolidation and potential internal dissent, as exemplified during [Absalom's rebellion](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion"). Finally, it touches upon the **dynastic nature of the monarchy**, setting the stage for the future succession and the enduring line of David.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cherethites (Hebrew, _k'rētîm'_):** This term refers to a specialized, elite military unit that served as King David's personal bodyguard. Their exact origin is debated, with some scholars suggesting a connection to Crete or Philistia, implying they were foreign mercenaries. However, their consistent portrayal throughout the biblical narrative (e.g., [2 Samuel 8:18](/2_samuel/8-18 "2 Samuel 8:18 - David's Officials")) is one of absolute loyalty and reliability, distinguishing them from the general Israelite army. Their role was crucial for the king's immediate safety and the execution of his direct commands.
* **Pelethites (Hebrew, _p'lētîm'_):** Always mentioned in conjunction with the Cherethites, the Pelethites were the other half of David's personal guard. Their name might derive from a root meaning "to flee" or "to escape," possibly indicating their swiftness or their function in protecting the king during flight, or even their role as "executioners" or "messengers." Like the Cherethites, they were renowned for their unwavering devotion to David, forming the core of his trusted security detail.
* **Chief (Hebrew, _ri'shōnîm'_):** This word literally means "first ones" or "foremost ones." When applied to "the sons of David," it signifies that they held positions of preeminence, authority, or leadership directly "about the king." This suggests they were not merely present, but actively involved in the administration, serving as principal advisors, administrators, or perhaps even regional governors, reflecting their elevated status and the dynastic nature of the monarchy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and the Pelethites":** This clause highlights Benaiah's significant military authority and the king's profound trust in him. Benaiah, a renowned warrior (see [2 Samuel 23:20-23](/2_samuel/23-20 "2 Samuel 23:20-23 - Benaiah's Mighty Deeds")), was not merely a commander but was given charge over David's most loyal and elite personal guard. This appointment signifies his crucial role in safeguarding the king and enforcing royal decrees, ensuring the stability and security of the throne. His later elevation to commander of the entire army under Solomon ([1 Kings 2:35](/1_kings/2-35 "1 Kings 2:35 - Benaiah Becomes Commander")) underscores his exceptional competence and unwavering loyalty.
* **"and the sons of David [were] chief about the king":** This part of the verse indicates the prominent and influential roles held by David's own children within the governmental structure. Their position as "chief about the king" implies they were not just members of the royal family but actively participated in the highest levels of administration, counsel, or even specific governmental departments. This arrangement served to solidify the dynastic succession, ensure family loyalty within the government, and provide a pool of potential future leaders, reflecting the common practice of royal families holding key positions in ancient Near Eastern monarchies.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **List**, as it enumerates key personnel and their respective roles, providing a clear snapshot of David's organized administration. This listing functions almost as an organizational chart, emphasizing the structured nature of his kingdom. There is also an element of **Synecdoche**, where the naming of Benaiah, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and the sons of David, stands for the broader concepts of military strength, personal security, and dynastic governance, respectively. The verse's concise nature also contributes to **Emphasis**, underscoring the importance of these specific individuals and groups in maintaining the king's authority and the kingdom's stability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 18:17, while seemingly a straightforward administrative detail, carries profound theological and thematic weight. It illustrates God's providential hand in establishing and ordering David's kingdom, not only through military victory but also through the formation of a stable and loyal government. The careful selection and placement of trusted individuals like Benaiah and the involvement of the royal family reflect principles of good governance and the importance of integrity and loyalty in leadership, which are values consistently upheld throughout Scripture. This verse subtly teaches that divine blessing often manifests through human organization, wisdom, and the faithful stewardship of authority, ensuring justice and order for the people.

* [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - Righteous vs. Wicked Rulers")
* [Psalm 101:6](/psalm/101-6 "Psalm 101:6 - God's King Seeks the Faithful")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though ancient, offers timeless principles for leadership and community. It reminds us that effective leadership, whether in a family, a church, a business, or any organization, requires not just vision but also the wise delegation of authority and the careful selection of trustworthy individuals for key roles. David's kingdom flourished because he surrounded himself with competent and loyal people who shared his vision for a righteous and ordered society. For us, this translates into the importance of building strong teams, fostering trust, and recognizing that true strength comes from a well-ordered structure where each member contributes to the collective good. It challenges us to consider who we "appoint" in our spheres of influence—those we trust with significant responsibilities, those whose loyalty and character are beyond reproach. Just as David relied on his inner circle for the stability of his earthly kingdom, we are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts and responsibilities God has given us, working in harmony with others to advance His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's approach to governance, as seen in this verse, challenge or affirm your understanding of effective leadership today?**
* **In what areas of your life or community are you called to exercise leadership, and how can you apply the principles of trust and wise delegation?**
* **What does it mean to be "chief about the King" in a spiritual sense, and how can we faithfully serve Christ in positions of influence or support?**

### FAQ
**Were the Cherethites and Pelethites Israelites or foreigners?**

Answer: While their exact origin is debated among scholars, the prevailing view is that the Cherethites and Pelethites were non-Israelite, likely foreign mercenaries, possibly from Crete or the Philistine region (hence "Cherethites" potentially linking to "Cretans"). Their distinct identity from the general Israelite army and their unwavering loyalty to David, even during times of rebellion (e.g., [2 Samuel 15:18](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15:18 - Cherethites and Pelethites with David")), suggest they were a professional, highly disciplined personal guard force whose allegiance was directly to the king rather than to tribal affiliations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 18:17 describes the earthly administration of King David, it subtly points forward to the perfect, eternal reign of King Jesus. David, as an earthly king, needed a structured government, loyal commanders like Benaiah, and trusted advisors in his own sons to maintain order and security. This earthly kingdom, however, was but a shadow of the ultimate, perfectly ordered, and eternally secure kingdom of God, over which Christ reigns. Jesus, the true Son of David and the King of kings, does not require a personal bodyguard like the Cherethites and Pelethites, for His authority is absolute and His reign is unassailable ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Unlike David's sons, who were "chief about the king" in an earthly capacity, Christ's followers are called to be "chief" in a spiritual sense, serving as His ambassadors and co-heirs in His heavenly kingdom ([Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places")). The order and loyalty seen in David's court find their ultimate fulfillment in the church, the body of Christ, where each member is perfectly placed and empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve the Head, Jesus Christ, in perfect unity and unwavering devotion ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - The Body of Christ")). His kingdom is not merely administered but eternally established, founded on His perfect righteousness and sustained by His divine power, requiring no human security detail but inviting all to enter into His everlasting peace and perfect governance ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 8:18

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was over] both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.

2 Samuel 15:18

And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.

2 Samuel 20:7

And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

1 Kings 1:44

And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:

1 Kings 2:34

So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.

1 Kings 2:35

¶ And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.

1 Chronicles 23:28

Because their office [was] to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God;