frontCHERETHITES.) The two together formed David's body guard. As Ittai of Gath, so other refugees from Philistine tribes probably joined David. The Egyptian monuments mention Shayretana ("Cherethim" or "Cretans") and Pelesatu ("Philistines"), whom Rameses III conquered. The Shayretana supplied mercenaries to the Egyptian kings of the 19th and 20th dynasties. Cherethites may be from chaarat "to cut off," namely, from one's country; Pelethites from paalat "he fled," "fugitives," political refugees. "Philistine" is from phalash "to emigrate." Gesenius less probably explains" executioners and runners."