10. But Adonijah did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, his father’s special guard or his brother Solomon.
11. When Nathan heard about this, he went to Bathsheba. She was the mother of Solomon. Nathan asked her, “Have you heard what Adonijah, Haggith’s son, is doing? He has made himself king. And our real king, David, does not know it.
12. Your life and the life of your son Solomon may be in danger. But I will tell you how to save yourselves.
13. Go to King David and say to him, ‘My master and king, you made a promise to me. You promised that my son Solomon would be the king after you. You said he would rule on your throne. So why has Adonijah become king?’
14. While you are still talking to him, I will come in. I will tell the king that what you have said about Adonijah is true.”
15. So Bathsheba went in to see the king in his bedroom. He was now very old. Abishag, the girl from Shunam, was caring for him there.
16. Bathsheba bowed down before the king.He asked, “What do you want?”
17. She answered, “My master, you made a promise to me in the name of the Lord your God. You said, ‘Your son Solomon will become king after me. He will rule on my throne.’
18. But now Adonijah has become king. And you did not know it.
19. Adonijah has killed many cows, fat calves and sheep for sacrifices. And he has invited all your sons. He also has invited Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of your army. But he did not invite Solomon, your son who serves you.
20. My master and king, all the people of Israel are watching you. They are waiting for you to decide who will be king after you.