2 Samuel 15:18
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It's easy to skim over the list of warriors, but notice that David isn't just leaving with a few loyal friends; he's marching out with his entire standing army. These aren't just bodyguards, but seasoned soldiers from various elite units, showing the gravity of the situation and that David wasn't running in fear, but in a strategic, albeit painful, withdrawal.
And all his servants passed by him, and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath, passed on before the king.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is fleeing Jerusalem because his own son, Absalom, has led a rebellion against him. As he leaves the city, loyal soldiers and allies, including foreigners who had previously fought for him, march past, showing their unwavering commitment to their king even in his darkest hour. This scene highlights David's isolation and the stark division within his kingdom as he begins his exile.
When David's world was crumbling, who stood by him? It wasn't just a casual crowd, but a specific group of loyal warriors.
The Cherethites and Pelethites: More Than Just Bodyguards
These weren't ordinary soldiers; they were David's elite personal guard.
It's easy to be with someone when they're in power and popular. But what about when they're fleeing their own son? True loyalty shines brightest in the shadows.
The True Test of Allegiance
This passage isn't just a historical record; it's a profound illustration of tested loyalty. David was being betrayed by his own son, Absalom, and was forced to flee Jerusalem.
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Understand the original words
kerethi · Hebrew Noun
Members of a specialized royal bodyguard unit, likely of Philistine origin (specifically associated with Crete/Chereth and Peleth). They were elite mercenaries or loyal warriors who served the king directly, distinct from the national Israelite army.
This verse captures a moment of profound personal betrayal and political upheaval, as David, the anointed king, is forced to flee his own capital due to his son's rebellion, highlighting the devastating consequences of sin within the royal family.
c. 1000 BC
David Anointed King
David is anointed king over Israel, uniting the tribes and establishing Jerusalem as the capital.
c. 995 BC
David's Sin with Bathsheba
David commits adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrates the death of her husband, Uriah, leading to divine judgment.
c. 990 BC
Amnon's Rape of Tamar
David's son Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar, an event that sows deep discord within the royal family.
c. 987 BC
Absalom Kills Amnon
In revenge for Tamar's rape, Absalom has Amnon murdered, forcing Absalom into exile.
c. 984 BC— this verse
Absalom's Return and Rebellion
Absalom is allowed to return to Jerusalem but secretly plots to usurp the throne from his father, David.
c. 983 BC
David Flees Jerusalem
David is forced to flee Jerusalem as Absalom's rebellion gains momentum, passing by his loyal guards.
c. 983 BC
Battle and Absalom's Death
David's forces defeat Absalom's rebels, but Absalom himself is killed, bringing a tragic end to the civil war.
This passage immediately follows, showing David's vulnerability and public humiliation as he flees Jerusalem, underscoring the loyalty of those who stayed with him.
1 Kings 1:38-40It highlights the same elite guard, the Cherethites and Pelethites, in service to King David, demonstrating their consistent role as his loyal protectors.
1 Samuel 23:13This verse shows David taking in those who were in distress and debt while he was also a fugitive, paralleling the theme of gathering loyal followers during times of trouble.
The title of Psalm 3, 'A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son,' directly connects to the historical context of this verse, offering David's own prayer and reflection during this very crisis.
It's easy to skim over the list of warriors, but notice that David isn't just leaving with a few loyal friends; he's marching out with his entire standing army. These aren't just bodyguards, but seasoned soldiers from various elite units, showing the gravity of the situation and that David wasn't running in fear, but in a strategic, albeit painful, withdrawal.
David is fleeing Jerusalem because his own son, Absalom, has led a rebellion against him. As he leaves the city, loyal soldiers and allies, including foreigners who had previously fought for him, march past, showing their unwavering commitment to their king even in his darkest hour. This scene highlights David's isolation and the stark division within his kingdom as he begins his exile.
David is fleeing Jerusalem because his own son, Absalom, has led a rebellion against him. As he leaves the city, loyal soldiers and allies, including foreigners who had previously fought for him, march past, showing their unwavering commitment to their king even in his darkest hour. This scene highlights David's isolation and the stark division within his kingdom as he begins his exile.
"And all his servants passed by him, and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath, passed on before the king." — It's easy to skim over the list of warriors, but notice that David isn't just leaving with a few loyal friends; he's marching out with his entire standing army. These aren't just bodyguards, but se…
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Last reviewed October 2026
