Zephaniah uses the term Cherethites
to refer to the whole nation. The Cherethites were a Philistine clan, most likely originating from the island of Crete, with which their name is connected (Jeremiah 47:4; Amos 9:7). The Philistines themselves had been part of the Sea Peoples who migrated from Asia Minor to occupy sites along the Mediterranean’s eastern seacoast, just west of Judah (Ezekiel 25:16). They came in small groups at first, around the time of Abraham (Genesis 20:1; Genesis 21:22–34; Genesis 26:1). Eventually they took over the area, while adopting the customs and religion of the Canaanites they had conquered.1
5 Woe to you inhabitants of the seacoast, you nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines; and I will destroy you until no inhabitant is left.