Old Testament

New Testament

1 Kings 1:4-16 Modern English Version (MEV)

4. She was very beautiful and cared for the king and ministered to him, but the king did not know her intimately.

5. Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king,” and he assembled chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run before him.

6. His father had not confronted him at any time by asking, “Why have you done this?” He also was a very attractive man, and he was born next after Absalom.

7. He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and they agreed to help him.

8. But Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and David’s mighty men did not join Adonijah.

9. Adonijah slaughtered sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the Stone of Zoheleth, which is by En Rogel, and invited all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah, the king’s servants.

10. But he did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, or his brother Solomon.

11. Therefore Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, “Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith reigns and David our lord does not know it?

12. Now please come and let me give you some advice, so that you may save your own life as well as that of your son Solomon.

13. Go to King David and say to him, ‘Did not you, my lord, O king, swear to your handmaid, saying: Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? Why then does Adonijah reign?’

14. Then while you are still there talking with the king, I will come in and confirm your words.”

15. So Bathsheba went to the king’s chamber. Now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite ministered to him.

16. Bathsheba bowed and prostrated herself before the king.And the king said, “What do you want?”

Read complete chapter 1 Kings 1