דברי הימים א, פרק י״ח, פסוק י״ז

King David established a highly organized government and military structure, entrusting critical security and civil responsibilities to loyal individuals while also integrating members of the royal family into leadership.

A key figure in this administration was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, who was placed in charge of the Cherethites and Pelethites. The primary approach among commentators is that these were foreign nations serving as elite mercenary units and mighty warriors in David's army, with Benaiah appointed as their commander [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective suggests a more civil role, identifying these groups as two distinguished families that comprised the high court [רלב״ג]. Despite minor phrasing differences compared to parallel accounts in the Book of Samuel, the underlying meaning remains the same: Benaiah held absolute command authority over them [רלב״ג, מלבי״ם].

The king's sons also held prominent positions, stationed directly at his side. They were his closest confidants, constantly present to manage his personal affairs [רש״י], and their directives guided the daily operations of the kingdom [מצודת דוד]. Although parallel accounts refer to them with a title typically reserved for priests, this simply indicates that they served as high-ranking government ministers wielding the king's own power and authority [רלב״ג]. However, even though David granted his sons significant governing power, he deliberately reserved the most crucial positions in the kingdom for other individuals who were likely more skilled and capable [ביאור שטיינזלץ].