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.”
22. While Bathsheba was still talking with the king, Nathan the prophet came to see him.
23. The servants told the king, “Nathan the prophet is here.” Nathan went in to speak to the king. He bowed down before the king
24. and said, “My lord and king, did you announce that Adonijah will be the new king after you? Have you decided that he will rule the people now?
25. Today he went down into the valley to offer many cattle and the best sheep as fellowship offerings. He invited all your other sons, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. They are now eating and drinking with him. And they are saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’
26. But he did not invite me, or Zadok the priest, or Benaiah son of Jehoiada, or your son Solomon.
27. My lord and king, did you do this without telling us? Please tell us, who will be the next king after you?”
28. Then King David said, “Tell Bathsheba to come in!” So she came in and stood before the king.