2 Samuel 15:18

18. Cherethites See note on 2 Samuel 8:18.

The Gittites, six hundred men That old, tried, and faithful band whom he had gathered around him principally when he enjoyed the protection of the king of Gath, (1 Samuel 27:2,) and from that land of their refuge ever after bore the name of Gittites. We need not suppose that these Gittites were all Philistines from Gath, and all foreigners who had become proselytes to the Jewish religion. But it is very likely that most of these six hundred were of foreign birth. As one after another of the old warriors died, the king, perhaps to perpetuate old associations, filled up their places with men from Gath. See note on 2 Samuel 8:18.