Matthew Henry on 1 Kings 1:11-31
We have here the effectual endeavours that were used by Nathan and Bathsheba to obtain from David a ratification of Solomon's succession, for the crushing of Adonijah's usurpation. 1. David himself knew not what was doing. Disobedient children think that they are well enough off if they can but keep their good old parents ignorant of their bad courses; but a bird of the air will carry the voice. 2. Bathsheba lived retired, and knew nothing of it either, till Nathan informed her. Many get very comfortably through this world that know little how the world goes. 3. Solomon, it is likely, knew of it, but was as a deaf man that heard not. Though he had years, and wisdom above his years, yet we do…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:21
I and my son . . . shall be counted offenders--that is, slain, according to the barbarous usage of the East towards all who are rivals to the throne.
Adam Clarke on 1 Kings 1:21
Shall be counted offenders - When Adonijah and his party shall find that I and my son have had this promise from thee by oath, he will slay us both.
John Gill on 1 Kings 1:26
But me, even me thy servant,.... Meaning himself, Nathan the prophet, who was David's servant, his seer, and counsellor:
and Zadok the priest; for whom David had a great respect:
and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; who was captain of his bodyguards; here Nathan observes more than Bathsheba had, and supplies what she had omitted, and so filled up her words, as in 1 Kings 1:14;
and thy servant Solomon, hath he not called; which showed his ill intention.
Keil & Delitzsch on 1 Kings 1:11-33
Adonijah's attempt was frustrated by the vigilance of the prophet Nathan.
Kg1 1:11-13
Nathan informed Solomon's mother, Bathsheba (see at Sa2 11:3), that Adonijah was making himself king (מלך כּי, that he had become as good as king: Thenius), and advised her, in order to save her life and that of her son Solomon (וּמלטי, and save = so that thou mayest save; cf. Ewald, 347, a.), to go to the king and remind him of his promise on oath, that her son Solomon should be king after him, and to inquire why Adonijah had become king. If Adonijah had really got possession of the throne, he would probably have put Solomon and his mother out of the way, according to the barbarous custom of the East, as h…
