2 Samuel 15:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all his servants {H5650} passed on {H5674} beside {H3027} him; and all the Cherethites {H3774}, and all the Pelethites {H6432}, and all the Gittites {H1663}, six {H8337} hundred {H3967} men {H376} which came {H935} after {H7272} him from Gath {H1661}, passed on {H5674} before {H6440} the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for all his servants to pass by him in review; all the K'reti and P'leti and all the Gittim (600 men who had accompanied him from Gat) passed in review before the king.

Berean Standard Bible

and all his servants marched past him—all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 15:18 offers a poignant snapshot of King David's desperate flight from Jerusalem, forced by the rebellion of his son Absalom. This verse meticulously details the composition of David's loyal retinue, specifically highlighting his personal guard—the Cherethites and Pelethites—and a significant contingent of foreign mercenaries, the Gittites, who remained steadfastly by his side. It underscores the profound loyalty exhibited by these individuals in stark contrast to the widespread betrayal David faced, revealing the king's personal charisma and the unwavering commitment of his most trusted forces during a moment of profound national crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic and tragic narrative of Absalom's rebellion against King David, which spans [2 Samuel 13-20](/2_samuel/13 "2 Samuel 13-20 - Absalom's Rebellion"). Immediately preceding [2 Samuel 15:18](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15:18 - David's Loyal Retinue"), David has received news of Absalom's conspiracy gaining significant traction throughout Israel ([2 Samuel 15:13](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13 - Absalom's Conspiracy Spreads")). Recognizing the imminent danger and desiring to spare Jerusalem from bloodshed, David makes the difficult decision to flee the city ([2 Samuel 15:14](/2_samuel/15-14 "2 Samuel 15:14 - David Flees Jerusalem")). Verse 18 then vividly describes the procession of his loyalists as they depart, setting the stage for the subsequent interactions with Ittai the Gittite ([2 Samuel 15:19-22](/2_samuel/15-19 "2 Samuel 15:19-22 - Ittai's Loyalty")) and the ark of the covenant ([2 Samuel 15:23-29](/2_samuel/15-23 "2 Samuel 15:23-29 - The Ark Returns to Jerusalem")). This verse serves to emphasize the immediate peril David faces and the crucial distinction between those who betray him and those who remain faithful.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign, though marked by great success, was also fraught with internal strife and family dysfunction, as detailed throughout [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "The Book of 2 Samuel"). The concept of a personal bodyguard, often composed of foreign mercenaries, was common among ancient Near Eastern monarchs. These elite units were highly trained, fiercely loyal, and often served as a king's most reliable military force, especially in times of internal unrest, as their allegiance was typically to the king personally rather than to the broader nation or tribal structures. The Philistines, from whom the Gittites originated, were traditional enemies of Israel, making the loyalty of these "six hundred men from Gath" particularly remarkable and a testament to David's unique ability to inspire devotion even from those outside his own people. Their presence highlights the complex political landscape and the pragmatic alliances formed in the ancient world.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Samuel 15:18](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15:18 - David's Loyal Retinue") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Samuel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **loyalty versus betrayal**, a recurring motif throughout David's life, from Saul's jealousy to Absalom's treachery. The steadfastness of David's personal guard and the Gittites provides a stark contrast to the widespread defection to Absalom, highlighting the true nature of commitment in crisis. Secondly, the verse speaks to **divine sovereignty and human agency**. While David is fleeing, seemingly abandoned, God is still at work, preserving a remnant of loyal followers. The unexpected loyalty of the foreign Gittites can be seen as an example of God's provision from unforeseen sources. Finally, it touches upon the theme of **David's unique leadership**, demonstrating his capacity to command deep personal allegiance, even from those who might otherwise be considered adversaries, a quality that set him apart as a king and foreshadowed the broader inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cherethites (Hebrew, _kĕrētîm'_):** This term, often paired with "Pelethites," refers to David's elite personal bodyguard, likely foreign mercenaries. Their name may derive from "Cretans" or be linked to the Philistine region of Caphtor (Crete), suggesting their origin. They served as David's most trusted and formidable armed force, responsible for his personal security and often involved in sensitive operations, including executions and maintaining order. Their presence signifies the core of David's loyal military strength in a time of widespread defection.
* **Pelethites (Hebrew, _pĕlētîm'_):** Similarly, the Pelethites were part of David's professional guard. While their exact origin is debated, they are consistently mentioned alongside the Cherethites, indicating a cohesive and integral unit. Their name might be related to a root meaning "runners" or "dispatchers," suggesting a role in rapid communication or swift action, or simply a tribal designation. Together, the Cherethites and Pelethites represented the unwavering professional military support David could rely on.
* **Gittites (Hebrew, _gittîm'_):** These were men from Gath, a prominent Philistine city and a traditional enemy of Israel. The presence of "six hundred men which came after him from Gath" is highly significant. It points to a specific contingent, likely led by Ittai the Gittite, who had pledged personal allegiance to David. Their loyalty transcended national or ethnic animosity, highlighting David's unique ability to inspire devotion and perhaps reflecting a prior arrangement or service during David's own exile in Gath under King Achish ([1 Samuel 27:2](/1_samuel/27-2 "1 Samuel 27:2 - David's Sojourn in Gath")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all his servants passed on beside him;":** This opening clause establishes the general movement of David's household and staff. "His servants" here refers to his personal attendants, officials, and perhaps a broader retinue beyond just the military units, indicating a significant exodus. Their action of "passing on beside him" suggests a close, supportive proximity, emphasizing their continued allegiance to the king even in his flight.
* **"and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, ":** This part of the verse specifies the elite military contingents forming the core of David's loyal forces. The repetition of "all" emphasizes the complete, collective movement of these groups. Their inclusion highlights their distinct and crucial role as David's most reliable protectors, setting them apart from the broader populace who had sided with Absalom.
* **"six hundred men which came after him from Gath, ":** This provides a specific numerical detail for the Gittites, underscoring their substantial presence and organized nature. The phrase "which came after him from Gath" clarifies their origin and implies a deliberate decision to follow David, rather than being part of his original Israelite army. This detail further emphasizes their unique, perhaps unexpected, loyalty to the king.
* **"passed on before the king.":** This final clause describes the positioning of these elite troops. While the general servants passed "beside him," these dedicated military units "passed on before the king." This positioning is highly symbolic: it indicates their role as a vanguard, clearing the way, providing protection, and demonstrating their readiness to face any threat first. It underscores their function as David's immediate and most trusted defense.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its message. **Enumeration** is prominent, specifically listing the "Cherethites," "Pelethites," and "Gittites," which provides a precise and vivid picture of David's loyal forces and emphasizes their distinct identities. The numerical detail of "six hundred men" for the Gittites adds a sense of **specificity and realism**, making the scene more tangible for the reader. There is also a subtle **contrast** implied: while the broader nation has turned against David, these specific, often foreign, contingents remain steadfast. The **parallelism** in the phrasing "passed on beside him" and "passed on before the king" highlights the different roles and positions of David's various loyalists, with the elite guard serving as a protective vanguard. This meticulous detailing serves to underscore the gravity of David's situation and the remarkable loyalty he still commanded.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the nature of true loyalty, particularly in times of adversity. It showcases that genuine commitment is not always found in expected places or among those bound by national or familial ties, but often emerges from personal conviction and fidelity. The steadfastness of David's personal guard and the foreign Gittites stands as a powerful testimony to the enduring power of covenant and personal allegiance, even when the broader community has fractured. Theologically, it can be seen as an example of God's sovereign provision, raising up unexpected allies to protect His anointed, even in moments of profound human failure and betrayal. This unexpected loyalty from the Gittites also subtly prefigures the later inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that God's favor and the capacity for true devotion are not limited by ethnic or national boundaries.

* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")
* [Luke 7:2-10](/luke/7-2 "Luke 7:2-10 - The Faith of the Centurion")
* [Romans 11:11-32](/romans/11-11 "Romans 11:11-32 - The Inclusion of Gentiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene of David's loyal retinue marching out of Jerusalem amidst the chaos of Absalom's rebellion offers a timeless lesson on faithfulness and leadership. In moments of crisis, when betrayal is rampant and the future uncertain, true character is revealed. David, despite his flaws, had cultivated a deep personal loyalty among his closest associates and even from foreign contingents. This reminds us of the importance of building relationships based on trust and integrity, as these are the bonds that endure when everything else crumbles. For believers, this narrative encourages us to be the "Cherethites and Pelethites" in the lives of others—those who remain steadfast, supportive, and committed, especially when friends or leaders face immense trials. It also challenges us to recognize God's hand in providing support from unexpected sources, much like the Gittites, reminding us that His provision is not limited by our expectations or conventional alliances. Our faithfulness, even in the face of widespread apostasy or difficulty, is a powerful testimony to the God who remains faithful even when we are faithless.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate unwavering loyalty, even when it's difficult or unpopular?**
* **How does the loyalty of the Gittites, who were outsiders, challenge your assumptions about where support and faithfulness might come from?**
* **What kind of leader or friend are you, that others would choose to follow you even in times of great adversity?**

### FAQ

**Who were the Cherethites and Pelethites, and why were they significant to David?**

Answer: The Cherethites and Pelethites were David's elite personal bodyguard and standing army. They were highly trained, professional soldiers, often believed to be foreign mercenaries (possibly from Crete or Philistia). Their significance lay in their unwavering loyalty to David personally, rather than to the broader Israelite tribes or nation. They served as his most trusted enforcers and protectors, consistently appearing together in biblical accounts as the core of David's military and security apparatus, especially during times of internal unrest like Absalom's rebellion or the succession crisis with Adonijah ([1 Kings 1:38](/1_kings/1-38 "1 Kings 1:38 - David's Command Regarding Solomon")).

**Why would Philistines (Gittites) be loyal to David, an Israelite king?**

Answer: The loyalty of the Gittites, men from the Philistine city of Gath, is indeed remarkable given the historical enmity between Israel and the Philistines. Their allegiance likely stemmed from a personal bond or an oath of service established during David's earlier period as a fugitive from Saul, when he resided in Gath under King Achish ([1 Samuel 27:2](/1_samuel/27-2 "1 Samuel 27:2 - David's Sojourn in Gath")). During this time, David and his men served Achish, and it's plausible that some Philistines, including Ittai the Gittite, developed a deep respect and personal loyalty to David. Their decision to follow David into exile, as seen in [2 Samuel 15:19-22](/2_samuel/15-19 "2 Samuel 15:19-22 - Ittai's Loyalty"), underscores David's unique charisma and ability to inspire devotion even from those outside his own people, highlighting a loyalty based on personal commitment rather than national identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The scene of David's flight from Jerusalem, accompanied by a loyal remnant, including unexpected foreign allies, serves as a poignant foreshadowing of Christ's experience. Just as David, the anointed king, was rejected by many of his own people and forced into exile by a treacherous son, so too was Jesus, the Son of David and the true King of Israel, rejected by His own nation ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Yet, in both narratives, a faithful few remained. While many turned away from Jesus, a small band of disciples stayed with Him, even in His darkest hour ([John 6:66-69](/john/6-66 "John 6:66-69 - Peter's Confession")). More significantly, the unexpected loyalty of the Gittites—foreigners from a hostile nation—powerfully prefigures the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant through Christ. The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), came first to Israel, but His redemptive work ultimately broke down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) to create one new humanity, drawing people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation into His kingdom ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation")). Thus, David's loyal Gittites, marching before him, symbolize the vast multitude of Gentile believers who would eventually pass on before the King of Kings, united not by bloodline or nationality, but by an unwavering faith in the Son of God.

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.

1 Samuel 30:14

We made an invasion [upon] the south of the Cherethites, and upon [the coast] which [belongeth] to Judah, and upon the south of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.

1 Kings 1:38

So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.

1 Chronicles 18:17

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

2 Samuel 20:23

¶ Now Joab [was] over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:

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.

2 Samuel 15:19

Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou [art] a stranger, and also an exile.