Matthew Henry on 1 Kings 1:5-10
David had much affliction in his children. Amnon and Absalom had both been his grief; the one his first-born, the other his third, Sa2 3:2, Sa2 3:3. His second, whom he had by Abigail, we will suppose he had comfort in; his fourth was Adonijah (Sa2 3:4); he was one of those that were born in Hebron; we have heard nothing of him till now, and here we are told that he was a comely person, and that he was next in age, and (as it proved) next in temper to Absalom, Kg1 1:6. And, further, that in his father's eyes he had been a jewel, but was now a thorn.
I. His father had made a fondling of him, Kg1 1:6. He had not displeased him at any time. It is not said that he never displeased his father; it…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:7
he conferred with Joab--The anxiety of Adonijah to secure the influence of a leader so bold, enterprising, and popular with the army was natural, and the accession of the hoary commander is easily accounted for from his recent grudge at the king (see on Sa2 19:13).
and with Abiathar the priest--His influence was as great over the priests and Levites--a powerful body in the kingdom--as that of Joab over the troops. It might be that both of them thought the crown belonged to Adonijah by right of primogeniture, from his mature age and the general expectations of the people (Kg1 2:15).
Adam Clarke on 1 Kings 1:7
And he conferred with Joab - Joab well knew, if he made the new king, he would necessarily be continued in the command of the army, and so govern him.
John Gill on 1 Kings 1:7
And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest,.... About getting the kingdom into his hands: and they were very proper persons to consult with, who, if gained to his interest, might be of great service, the one being the general of the army, and so had a great interest in the soldiery, with whom he could make way for him, and defend him, and the other was the high priest, who might be thought to have a great share in the affections of the people, and whose office it was to anoint the king; and he might the rather apply to them, knowing them to be, on some accounts, discontented persons:
and they following Adonijah, helped him; they took on his side; Joab knowin…
