1. King David had grown old, and although he was covered with blankets, he couldn’t get warm.
2. His officials told him, “Your Majesty, let us search for a young woman who has never been married. She can stay with you and be your servant. She can lie in your arms and keep you warm.”
3. So they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful, young woman. They found Abishag from Shunem and brought her to the king.
4. The woman was very beautiful. She became the king’s servant and took care of him, but the king did not make love to her.
5. Adonijah, son of Haggith, was very handsome. His mother gave birth to him after she had Absalom. Adonijah was boasting that he was king. So he got a chariot and horses and 50 men to run ahead of him.
6. His father had never confronted him by asking why he was doing this.
7. But Adonijah had discussed his actions with Joab (son of Zeruiah) and with the priest Abiathar, so they supported him.
8. But the priest Zadok, Benaiah (son of Jehoiada), the prophet Nathan, Shimei, Rei, and David’s ⌊thirty⌋ fighting men did not join Adonijah.
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.”