Cherethim

(Ezek 25:16), more frequently Cherethites, the inhabitants of Southern Philistia, the Philistines (Zeph 2:5). The Cherethites and the Pelethites were David's life-guards (1Sam 30:14 ; 2Sam 8:18 ; 20:7; 20:23; 23:23). This name is by some interpreted as meaning "Cretans," and by others "executioners," who were ready to execute the king's sentence of death [(Gen 37:36), marg.; (1Kings 2:25)].

EBD - Easton's Bible Dictionary