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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 8:18 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David's sons were priestly leaders.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/8-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/10_2Sa_08_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 8:18 - David's Officers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David's sons were priestly leaders." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/8-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/8-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/8-17.htm" title="2 Samuel 8:17">◄</a> 2 Samuel 8:18 <a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm" title="2 Samuel 9:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David&#8217s sons were priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king’s bodyguard. And David’s sons served as priestly leaders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and David’s sons were priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada <i>was over</i> both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Benaiah the son of Jehoiada <i>was over</i> both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief ministers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief ministers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David&#8217s sons were chief ministers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief ministers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was [head] over both the Cherethites and Pelethites [the king’s bodyguards]; and David’s sons were chief [confidential] advisers (officials) [to the king].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief officials.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David&#8217s sons were chief officials. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief ministers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was the commander of David's bodyguard. David's sons were priests. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jehoiada's son Benaiah was commander of the Cherethites and the Pelethites. And David's sons were priests. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of David's bodyguards; and David's sons were priests. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Jehoida's son Benaiah supervised the special forces and mercenaries, and David's sons were priests. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David?s sons were priestly leaders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Benaiah son of Jehoida supervised the Kerithites and Pelethites; and David's sons were priests. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada supervised the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David?s sons were chief ministers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief ministers. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Benaiah son of Jehoiada [is over] both the Cherethite and the Pelethite, and the sons of David have been ministers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Benaiah son of Jehoiada is over both the Cherethite and the Pelethite, and the sons of David have been ministers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites: and the sons of David were priests.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Banaias the son of Joiada was over the Cerethi and Phelethi: and the sons of David were the princes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was over the Cherethites and Pelethites. But the sons of David were priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, was in command of the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the nobles and the laborers, and David's sons were the princes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Benaya, son of Yuyada, over Free Men and over the Laborers, and the sons of David were Princes <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief ministers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and Banaeas son of Jodae <i>was</i> councillor, and the Chelethite and the Phelethite, and the sons of David, were princes of the court.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/8-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=2162" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/8.htm">David's Officers</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe; <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1141.htm" title="1141: ū·ḇə·nā·yā·hū (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Or Bnayahuw; from banah and Yahh; Jah has built; Benajah, the name of twelve Israelites.">Benaiah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/3077.htm" title="3077: yə·hō·w·yā·ḏā‘ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD knows, the name of several Isr. From Yhovah and yada'; Jehovah-known; Jehojada, the name of three Israelites.">of Jehoiada was over</a> <a href="/hebrew/3774.htm" title="3774: wə·hak·kə·rê·ṯî (Conj-w, Art:: N-proper-ms) -- The foreign bodyguard of King David. Probably from karath in the sense of executioner; a Kerethite or life-guardsman.">the Cherethites</a> <a href="/hebrew/6432.htm" title="6432: wə·hap·pə·lê·ṯî (Conj-w, Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Some of David's soldiers. From the same form as Peleth; a courier or official messenger.">and Pelethites;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">and David’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇə·nê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">were</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: kō·hă·nîm (N-mp) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">priestly leaders.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/18-17.htm">1 Chronicles 18:17</a></span><br />Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief officials at the king’s side.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-4.htm">1 Kings 4:4</a></span><br />Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm">1 Samuel 22:14</a></span><br />Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard and honored in your house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-1.htm">1 Samuel 8:1-3</a></span><br />When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. / The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second was Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba. / But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-35.htm">1 Samuel 2:35</a></span><br />Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest. He will do whatever is in My heart and mind. And I will build for him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed one for all time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/6-49.htm">1 Chronicles 6:49</a></span><br />But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/24-3.htm">1 Chronicles 24:3-5</a></span><br />With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. / Since more leaders were found among Eleazar’s descendants than those of Ithamar, they were divided accordingly. There were sixteen heads of families from the descendants of Eleazar and eight from the descendants of Ithamar. / Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-13.htm">1 Chronicles 23:13</a></span><br />The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-28.htm">1 Chronicles 23:28-32</a></span><br />but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, / as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. / They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/26-29.htm">1 Chronicles 26:29</a></span><br />From the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons had the outside duties as officers and judges over Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/27-1.htm">1 Chronicles 27:1</a></span><br />This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/27-25.htm">1 Chronicles 27:25-34</a></span><br />Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the royal storehouses. Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the storehouses in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the fortresses. / Ezri son of Chelub was in charge of the workers in the fields who tilled the soil. / Shimei the Ramathite was in charge of the vineyards. Zabdi the Shiphmite was in charge of the produce of the vineyards for the wine vats. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-35.htm">1 Kings 2:35</a></span><br />And the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-8.htm">1 Kings 1:8</a></span><br />But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-19.htm">1 Kings 1:19</a></span><br />And he has sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the other sons of the king, as well as Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of the army. But he has not invited your servant Solomon.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.</p><p class="hdg">Benaiah</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/1-44.htm">1 Kings 1:44</a></b></br> And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/2-34.htm">1 Kings 2:34,35</a></b></br> So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/18-17.htm">1 Chronicles 18:17</a></b></br> And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada <i>was</i> over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David <i>were</i> chief about the king.</p><p class="hdg">the Cherethites</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">2 Samuel 15:18</a></b></br> And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-7.htm">2 Samuel 20:7,23</a></b></br> And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/23-20.htm">2 Samuel 23:20-23</a></b></br> And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: … </p><p class="hdg">chief rulers.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-26.htm">2 Samuel 20:26</a></b></br> And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-12.htm">Advisers</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-13.htm">Benaiah</a> <a href="/ezra/10-43.htm">Benai'ah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-14.htm">Cherethite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-14.htm">Cherethites</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-14.htm">Cher'ethites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-16.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-14.htm">David's</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-26.htm">Jehoiada</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-26.htm">Jehoi'ada</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-14.htm">Kerethites</a> <a href="/exodus/28-35.htm">Ministers</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/18-17.htm">Pelethite</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/18-17.htm">Pelethites</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/18-17.htm">Pel'ethites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-17.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-5.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-9.htm">Rulers</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_chronicles/22-4.htm">Advisers</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">Benaiah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">Benai'ah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">Cherethite</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">Cherethites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">Cher'ethites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-17.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-11.htm">David's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">Jehoiada</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">Jehoi'ada</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">Kerethites</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-5.htm">Ministers</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">Pelethite</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">Pelethites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">Pel'ethites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-35.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-26.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-22.htm">Rulers</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/8-1.htm">David subdues the Philistines and the Moabites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/8-3.htm">He smites Hadadezer, and the Syrians</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/8-9.htm">Toi sends Joram with presents to bless him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/8-11.htm">David dedicates the presents and the spoil to God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/8-14.htm">He puts garrisons in Edom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/8-16.htm">David's officers</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Benaiah son of Jehoiada</b><br>Benaiah was a distinguished warrior and leader in King David's army. He was the son of Jehoiada, a valiant man from Kabzeel, known for his mighty deeds (<a href="/1_chronicles/11-22.htm">1 Chronicles 11:22-25</a>). Benaiah's loyalty and bravery were crucial in establishing David's kingdom, and he later became commander of Solomon's army (<a href="/1_kings/2-35.htm">1 Kings 2:35</a>). His role foreshadows the protective and intercessory role of Christ, who is both a warrior against sin and a leader of His people.<p><b>was over the Cherethites and Pelethites</b><br>The Cherethites and Pelethites were elite mercenary groups serving as David's personal bodyguards. They were likely of Philistine origin, indicating David's ability to integrate foreign elements into his administration, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. This mirrors the New Testament theme of the Gospel being for all nations (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19</a>). Their presence underscores the political and military strategies David employed to secure his reign.<p><b>and David’s sons were priestly leaders</b><br>David's sons held significant roles within his administration, though the term "priestly leaders" is debated. It suggests they had religious or administrative duties, possibly overseeing temple services or acting as royal advisors. This reflects the intertwining of religious and political spheres in ancient Israel, where kings often had priestly functions (<a href="/psalms/110-4.htm">Psalm 110:4</a>). The phrase anticipates the ultimate priest-king, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills both roles (<a href="/hebrews/7-17.htm">Hebrews 7:17</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/benaiah_son_of_jehoiada.htm">Benaiah son of Jehoiada</a></b><br>A valiant warrior and leader in King David's army, known for his loyalty and bravery. He was appointed over the Cherethites and Pelethites, elite groups serving as David's bodyguards.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/cherethites_and_pelethites.htm">Cherethites and Pelethites</a></b><br>These were groups of foreign mercenaries who served as David's personal guards. Their loyalty and skill were crucial to maintaining the security of the king.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/david's_sons.htm">David’s Sons</a></b><br>The verse mentions that David's sons were priests, which is an unusual role since the priesthood was typically reserved for the descendants of Aaron. This indicates a special status or honorary role within David's administration.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_loyalty.htm">Leadership and Loyalty</a></b><br>Benaiah's role exemplifies the importance of loyalty and trust in leadership. As Christians, we are called to be faithful and trustworthy in our roles, whether in the church or in our daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_appointments.htm">God's Sovereignty in Appointments</a></b><br>The appointment of David's sons as priests, despite the traditional lineage requirements, shows that God can establish roles and callings beyond human expectations. We should remain open to God's unique callings in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community_in_leadership.htm">The Role of Community in Leadership</a></b><br>The Cherethites and Pelethites, though foreigners, were integral to David's reign. This highlights the value of diverse communities working together for a common purpose, reflecting the body of Christ's diversity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_benaiah_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Benaiah in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_cherethites_in_the_bible.htm">Who were the Cherethites in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_essentialism.htm">Who were the Cherethites in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/1_chron_18_4_vs_2_sam_8_4__7,000_or_1,700.htm">In 1 Chronicles 18:4, how do we reconcile the figure of 7,000 horsemen with 2 Samuel 8:4, which mentions 1,700 instead?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">The Cherethites and the Pelethites.</span>--These bodies of men, here mentioned for the first time, afterwards appear frequently, constituting the most trusted part of the king's army, and forming his especial body-guard (<a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm" title="And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.">2Samuel 15:18</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/20-7.htm" title="And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.">2Samuel 20:7</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm" title="Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:">2Samuel 20:23</a>; <a href="/1_kings/1-38.htm" title="So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride on king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.">1Kings 1:38</a>; <a href="/1_kings/1-44.htm" title="And the king has sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride on the king's mule:">1Kings 1:44</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/18-17.htm" title="And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king.">1Chronicles 18:17</a>). Benaiah, who commanded them, a hero from Kabzeel (<a href="/2_samuel/23-20.htm" title="And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lion like men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the middle of a pit in time of snow:">2Samuel 23:20</a>), was afterwards promoted by Solomon to be general-in-chief (<a href="/1_kings/2-35.htm" title="And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.">1Kings 2:35</a>). But the meaning of the words, "the Che-rethites and the Pelethites," has been much disputed. On the one hand it is urged that the form of the name indicates a tribal designation, and that there was a tribe of Cherethites living south of Philistia (<a href="/1_samuel/30-14.htm" title="We made an invasion on the south of the Cherethites, and on the coast which belongs to Judah, and on the south of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.">1Samuel 30:14</a>), who are also mentioned in connection with the Philistines in <a href="/ezekiel/25-16.htm" title="Therefore thus said the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out my hand on the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.">Ezekiel 25:16</a>; <a href="/zephaniah/2-5.htm" title="Woe to the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy you, that there shall be no inhabitant.">Zephaniah 2:5</a>. Besides, these names appear as those of bodies of troops only during the reign of David, and the objection that he would have been unlikely to employ foreign mercenaries may be met by the supposition that they had embraced the religion of Israel. On the other hand, the Chaldee ("archers and slingers<span class= "ital">"</span>) and Syriac ("nobles and Tustics") understood them as appellatives, and it is said that they should properly be translated "executioners and runners," such offices falling to the chief troops in all Oriental armies; no tribe of "Pelethites" is known, and in <a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm" title="Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:">2Samuel 20:23</a> the expression translated "Cherethites and Pelethites" has another form for "Cherethites," which again occurs with "Pelethites" in <a href="/2_kings/11-4.htm" title="And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and showed them the king's son.">2Kings 11:4</a>; <a href="/2_kings/11-19.htm" title="And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the LORD, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings.">2Kings 11:19</a>, and is translated "the captains and the guard." The question does not seem to admit of positive determination. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The Cherethites and the Pelethites.</span> As we have already seen (<a href="/1_samuel/30-14.htm">1 Samuel 30:14</a>), the Cherethim were an insignificant tribe inhabiting the southern part of the country of the Philistines. Nor is that place the only proof of this fact; for they are connected with the Philistines also in <a href="/ezekiel/25-16.htm">Ezekiel 25:16</a> and <a href="/zephaniah/2-5.htm">Zephaniah 2:5</a>. David made their acquaintance when at Ziklag; and probably the Pelethim dwelt in the same neighbourhood, and were a still more unimportant clan or family. Much ingenuity has been expended in finding for their names a Hebrew derivation, and Gesenius explains them as meaning "cutters and runners," though for the latter signification he has to go to the Arabic, where he finds a verb <span class="accented">falata</span>, "to run away," "flee." But this craze of explaining the names of aboriginal tribes and their towns by Hebrew words is not only absurd in itself, but bars the way to sounder knowledge. For it is possible that, by the study of names not belonging to the Hebrew language, we might arrive at some correct ideas about the races who had previously occupied Palestine. Instead of this, the whole system of derivation is corrupted, and philology made ridiculous. What can be more ludicrous than to explain these Pelethim as "runners away," unless it be the notion that the Rephaim took their name from the Hebrew word for "a ghost"? In his "mighties" David had a powerful bodyguard of native Israelites, and Saul previously had formed a similar force of three thousand men, not merely for the protection of his own person, but to guard the land from marauding incursions of Amalekites and other freebooting tribes. Such a body of men was of primary importance for police purposes and the safety of the frontiers. How useful such a force would be we can well understand from the history of the marches between England and Scotland (see also note on 2 Samuel 3:22); but I imagine that the Cherethites and Pelethites were used for humbler purposes. While "the mighties" guarded the frontiers, and kept the peace of the kingdom, these men would be used about the court and in Jerusalem, to execute the commands of the king and his great officers. Native Israelites would refuse such servile work, and the conquered Canaanites might become dangerous if trained and armed; while these foreigners, like the Swiss Guard in France, would be trustworthy and efficient. As for the true-born Israelites, they probably did not form the mass of the population, but, like the Franks in France, were the privileged and dominant race. We read that even from Egypt, besides their own dependents, there went up with Israel "a great mixture" (<a href="/exodus/12-38.htm">Exodus 12:38</a>, margin). In <a href="/numbers/11-4.htm">Numbers 11:4</a> these are even contemptuously designated by a word which answers to our "omnium gatherum;" yet even they, after the conquest of Palestine, would be higher in rank than the subjugated Canaanites, from whom, together with another "mixed multitude" spoken of in <a href="/nehemiah/13-3.htm">Nehemiah 13:3</a>, are descended the felahin of the present day. David's armies would be drawn from the Israelites, among whom were now reckoned the mixed multitude which went up from Egypt, and which was ennobled by taking part in the conquest of Canaan. In the army "the mighties" would hold the chief place; while the mercenaries, recruited from Ziklag and its neighbourhood, which continued to be David's private property (<a href="/1_samuel/27-6.htm">1 Samuel 27:6</a>), would be most useful in the discharge of all kinds of administrative duty, and would also guard the king's person. In <a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">2 Samuel 20:23</a> for <span class="accented">Cherethi</span> we find <span class="accented">Cheri</span>, which word also occurs in <a href="/2_kings/11-4.htm">2 Kings 11:4, 19</a>. In the former passage the spelling is a mistake, the letter <span class="accented">t</span> having dropped out, and it is so regarded by the Jews, who read "Cherethi." The versions also translate there just as they do here, namely the Vulgate and LXX., "Cherethi and Pelethi;" and the Syriac by two nouns of somewhat similar sound to the Hebrew, and which signify "freemen and soldiers." In the latter place in Kings it is probable that some other tribe supplied the bodyguard in Queen Athaliah's time. <span class="cmt_word">David's sons were chief rulers;</span> Hebrew and Revised Version, <span class="accented">priests</span>. Similarly, in ch. 20:26, "Ira the Jairite was David's priest," Hebrew, <span class="accented">cohen</span>; and in <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">1 Kings 4:5</a>, "Zabud was Solomon's priest." Gesenius and others suppose that they were domestic chaplains, not ministering according to the Levitical law, but invested with a sort of sacerdotal sacredness in honour of their birth. But if we look again at <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">1 Kings 4:5</a> we find "Zabud was priest, the king's friend;" and the latter words seem to be an explanation of the title <span class="accented">cohen</span>, added because the word in this sense was already becoming obsolete. In <a href="/1_chronicles/18-17.htm">1 Chronicles 18:17</a> the language is completely changed, and we read, "and David's sons were chief at the king's hand." We may feel sure that the Chronicler knew what was the meaning of the phrase in the Books of Samuel, and that he was also aware that it had gone out of use, and therefore gave instead the right sense. Evidently the word cohen had at first a wider significance, and meant a "minister and confidant." He was the officer who stood next to his master, and knew his purpose and saw to its execution. And this was the meaning of the term when applied to the confidential minister of Jehovah, whose duty it was to execute his will according to the commands given in the Law; but when so used it gradually became too sacred for ordinary employment. Still, there is a divinity about a king, and so his confidants and the officers nearest to his person were still called cohens; and we find the phrase lingering on for another century and a half. For Jehu puts to death, not only Ahab's great men and kinsfolk, but also "his cohens," the men who had been his intimate friends (<a href="/2_kings/10-11.htm">2 Kings 10:11</a>). <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/8-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Benaiah</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְנָיָ֙הוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·nā·yā·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1141.htm">Strong's 1141: </a> </span><span class="str2">Benaiah -- 'Yah has built up', the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Jehoiada [was over]</span><br /><span class="heb">יְה֣וֹיָדָ֔ע</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hō·w·yā·ḏā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3077.htm">Strong's 3077: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jehoiada -- 'the LORD knows', the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Cherethites</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַכְּרֵתִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hak·kə·rê·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3774.htm">Strong's 3774: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cherethites -- the foreign bodyguard of King David</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Pelethites;</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַפְּלֵתִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hap·pə·lê·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6432.htm">Strong's 6432: </a> </span><span class="str2">A courier, official messenger</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and David’s</span><br /><span class="heb">דָוִ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sons</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were</span><br /><span class="heb">הָיֽוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">priests.</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹּהֲנִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(kō·hă·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/8-18.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 8:18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/8-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 8:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 8:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 9:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 9:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>