9. One day, at Zoheleth Rock near En Rogel, Adonijah sacrificed some sheep, cattle, and fat calves as a fellowship offering. He invited his brothers (the other sons of King David) and all the officers from Judah.
10. But he did not invite his brother Solomon, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, or the men in the king’s special guard.
11. When Nathan heard about this, he went to Solomon’s mother Bathsheba and asked her, “Have you heard what Haggith’s son, Adonijah, is doing? He is making himself king. And our master, King David, knows nothing about it.
12. You and your son Solomon are in danger, but I will tell you what to do to save yourself.
13. Go to King David and tell him, ‘My lord and king, you promised me that my son Solomon would be the next king after you. So why is Adonijah becoming the new king?’
14. Then while you are still talking with him, I will come in. After you leave I will tell the king what has happened. This will show that what you said is true.”
15. So Bathsheba went in to see the king in his bedroom. The king was very old. Abishag, the girl from Shunem, was caring for him there.
16. Bathsheba bowed down before the king. The king asked, “What can I do for you?”
17. Bathsheba answered, “Sir, you used the name of the Lord your God and made a promise to me. You said, ‘Your son Solomon will be the next king after me. He will sit on my throne.’
18. Now, you don’t know this, but Adonijah is making himself king.
19. He is giving a big fellowship meal. He has killed many cattle and the best sheep, and he has invited all of your sons to the meal. He also invited Abiathar the priest and Joab, the commander of your army, but he did not invite your faithful son Solomon.
20. Now, my lord and king, all the Israelites are watching you. They are waiting for you to decide who will be the next king after you.
21. If you don’t decide, then after you are buried, these men will say that Solomon and I are criminals.”