מלכים א, פרק א׳, פסוק ל״ח

The coronation procession of Solomon marks a pivotal moment of transition, as King David's loyalists set out to execute his royal directive. The delegation makes its way from the heights of the City of David down to the spring at the mountain's base to conduct an official, public crowning. The key figures leading this procession are not gathered by chance; they represent the full spectrum of leadership required to confirm that a new king has been chosen by God [רלב״ג]. Nathan the prophet brings the necessary prophetic approval, while Zadok represents the authority of the high priesthood. Alongside them is Benaiah, joined by the groups known as the Cherethites and Pelethites. Together, these figures symbolize the supreme high court whose rulings the nation is obligated to follow [רלב״ג, אברבנאל].

The exact nature of the Cherethites and Pelethites is understood in different ways. The most straightforward approach views them as highly skilled military forces, specifically archers and slingers, who served as the royal guard under Benaiah's command [רש״י, מצודת ציון]. Their military presence served a dual purpose: to provide security for the event and to create a grand, imposing spectacle. This magnificent display was essential to attract a large crowd to Solomon, who had previously remained inside the palace and was not well known to the general public [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, traditional rabbinic sources offer a more spiritual interpretation, suggesting these groups refer either to the divine oracle known as the Urim and Thummim [רש״י], or to the esteemed members of the Great Sanhedrin itself [אברבנאל].

Guided by these leaders, the procession ultimately brings Solomon directly to the Gihon spring, located just outside Jerusalem, where the historic anointing is set to take place [מצודת ציון, רד״ק].