Carites
Identity of the Carites
The Carites were a military unit that served as royal bodyguards in the kingdom of Judah. They appear in 2 Kings 11:4 and 11:19, where they are involved in the dramatic overthrow of Queen Athaliah. The Hebrew term "kari" has been interpreted to mean "executioners," "life-guardsmen," or simply "those who are ready." Many scholars identify them with the Cherethites, the foreign mercenary bodyguards who served under David and subsequent kings.
The Overthrow of Athaliah
The Carites played a pivotal role in one of the most dramatic events in Judah's royal history. After King Ahaziah was killed by Jehu, his mother Athaliah seized the throne and attempted to destroy the entire royal family. However, the infant Joash was hidden in the temple by his aunt Jehosheba for six years (2 Kings 11:1-3). When the time was right, the priest Jehoiada enlisted the Carites and the royal guard to protect young Joash during his coronation, surrounding him with armed soldiers as the crown was placed on his head (2 Kings 11:4-12).
Guardians of the Covenant
The Carites' involvement in Joash's coronation was more than a military operation, it was an act of covenant faithfulness. Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people, renewing Judah's commitment to serving God alone (2 Kings 11:17). The Carites escorted the new king from the temple to the palace while the people rejoiced, and Athaliah was executed (2 Kings 11:19-20).
Connection to the Cherethites
The Carites are widely believed to be related to or identical with the Cherethites, who along with the Pelethites formed David's personal bodyguard under the command of Benaiah (2 Samuel 8:18; 20:23). The textual variant in 2 Samuel 20:23 reads "Carites" instead of "Cherethites," supporting this identification. Both groups were likely foreign mercenaries, possibly of Cretan or Aegean origin.
Significance in Biblical History
The Carites demonstrate how God used even foreign soldiers to preserve the Davidic dynasty and fulfill His covenant promises. Without their loyal service, the line of David might have been extinguished by Athaliah, and the messianic promise would have been imperiled.
Biblical Context
The Carites appear in 2 Kings 11:4 and 11:19 during the overthrow of Athaliah and the coronation of Joash. A textual variant in 2 Samuel 20:23 also reads 'Carites' instead of 'Cherethites,' connecting them to David's royal bodyguard.
Theological Significance
The Carites' role in preserving the Davidic line during Athaliah's usurpation demonstrates God's sovereign protection of His covenant promises. Even through the service of foreign soldiers, God ensured that the line of David would continue, ultimately leading to the Messiah.
Historical Background
Foreign mercenaries were common in ancient Near Eastern royal courts. The Cherethites/Carites are often associated with Crete or the Aegean region, suggesting they were part of the Sea Peoples migrations. Their loyalty to the Davidic dynasty rather than to any particular ruler made them valuable protectors of the legitimate royal line.