9. Adonijah sacrificed sheep, cattle, and fattened calves at Zoheleth Rock near En Rogel. He had invited all his brothers, the king’s ⌊other⌋ sons, all the men of Judah, and the king’s officials.
10. But he didn’t invite the prophet Nathan, Benaiah, the fighting men, or his brother Solomon.
11. Then 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?
12. Bathsheba, let me give you some advice about how to save your life and your son’s life.
13. Go 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?’
14. And while you’re still there talking to the king, I’ll come in and confirm what you have said.”
15. Bathsheba went to the king in his private room. The king was very old, and Abishag from Shunem was taking care of him.
16. Bathsheba 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.
18. But now, you see, Adonijah has become king, and you don’t ⌊even⌋ know anything about it, Your Majesty.
19. He 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.
20. All Israel is looking to you, Your Majesty, to tell them who should succeed you on your throne.