1 Kings 1:11-27

11Then Nathan asked Solomon’s mother Bathsheba, “Haven’t you heard that Adonijah, Haggith’s son, has become king, and our master David doesn’t ⌞even⌟ know about it?

12Bathsheba, let me give you some advice about how to save your life and your son’s life.

13Go to King David and ask him, ‘Your Majesty, didn’t you swear to me that my son Solomon will be king after you, and that he will sit on your throne? Why is Adonijah acting as king?’

14And while you’re still there talking to the king, I’ll come in and confirm what you have said.”

15Bathsheba went to the king in his private room. The king was very old, and Abishag from Shunem was taking care of him.

16Bathsheba knelt and bowed down in front of the king. “What do you want?” the king asked.

17“Sir,” she answered, “You took an oath to the Lord your God. You said that my son Solomon will be king after you, and that he will sit on your throne.

18But now, you see, Adonijah has become king, and you don’t ⌞even⌟ know anything about it, Your Majesty.

19He has sacrificed many fattened calves, bulls, and sheep. He has invited all the king’s sons, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of the army ⌞to his feast⌟. But he hasn’t invited your servant Solomon.

20All Israel is looking to you, Your Majesty, to tell them who should succeed you on your throne.

21Otherwise, my son Solomon and I will be treated like criminals when you lie down in death with your ancestors.”

22While she was still talking to the king, the prophet Nathan arrived.

23The servants told the king, “The prophet Nathan is here.” When he came to the king, he bowed down in front of him.

24Nathan said, “Your Majesty, you must have said that Adonijah will be king after you and that he will sit on your throne,

25because today he went and sacrificed many bulls, fattened calves, and sheep. He invited all the king’s sons, the army’s commanders, and the priest Abiathar ⌞to his feast⌟. They are eating and drinking with him and saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’

26But he didn’t invite me or the priest Zadok or Benaiah, who is Jehoiada’s son, or your servant Solomon.

27Did you allow this to happen without telling me who would sit on your throne next?”