Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Samuel 8:18

18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites : and Davids sons were chief rulers .

These words are supplied out of the parallel place, 1 Chron. 18. 17. and out of 2 Sam. 20. 23. where they are expressed.

i. e. The Cherethites and Pelethites were undoubredly Soldiers, and such as were eminent for their Valour and Fidelity to the King, as is evident from 2 Sam. 15. 18. and 20. 7. and 1 King. 1. 38, 44. and most probably they were the Kings Guards, which consisted of these two Bands, who might be distinguished either by their several Weapons, or by the differing time or manner of their service. They are supposed to be thus called, either, first, from their Office, which was upon the Kings command to cut off or punish offenders, and to preserve the Kings Person, as their names in the Hebrew Tongue may seem to imply. Or, Secondly, From some Countrey, or place to which they had relation. As for the Cherethites, it is certain they were either a Branch of the Philistines, or a People neighbouring to them, and confederate with them, as is manifest from 1 Sam. 30. 14. Ezek. 25. 16. Zeph. 2. 4, 5. And so might the Pelethites be too, though that be not related in Scripture. And these Israelites and Soldiers of David might be so called▪ either, because they went and lived with David when he dwelt in those parts: or, from some notable Exploit against, or Victory over these People; as among the Romans the names of Asiaticus, Africanus, &c. were given for the same reason. One of their Exploits against the Cherethites is in part related, 1 Sam. 30. 14. And it is likely they did many other against them, and against other people, amongst which the Pelethites might be one.

Had the places of greatest Authority and Dignity conferred upon them.

Marginal references: 1 Chron. 18. 17.; Or, Princes.