A common misinterpretation views David's sons as literal priests due to the Hebrew term 'kohen' often translated as 'priest,' but here it denotes chief officials or ministers, not sacerdotal roles, as anointing David's sons as priests would conflict with the Levitical priesthood established earlier; another error assumes the Cherethites and Pelethites were Israelite tribes rather than Philistine or Cretan mercenaries serving as David's personal guard, overlooking their foreign origins and specialized protective function.
II Samuel 8:18
King James Version (1769)
18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief rulers.
This verse outlines elements of King David's administrative structure during his successful reign, noting Benaiah son of Jehoiada's leadership over the Cherethites and Pelethites—elite bodyguard units likely composed of foreign mercenaries loyal to David—and designating David's sons as chief rulers or principal advisors, illustrating David's consolidation of power through trusted family members and military leaders to maintain order and execute royal authority effectively.