14. In fact, I have a favor to ask of you.”“What is it?” she asked.
15. He replied, “As you know, the kingdom was rightfully mine; all Israel wanted me to be the next king. But the tables were turned, and the kingdom went to my brother instead; for that is the way the lord wanted it.
16. So now I have just one favor to ask of you. Please don’t turn me down.”“What is it?” she asked.
17. He replied, “Speak to King Solomon on my behalf, for I know he will do anything you request. Ask him to let me marry Abishag, the girl from Shunem.”
18. “All right,” Bathsheba replied. “I will speak to the king for you.”
19. So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak on Adonijah’s behalf. The king rose from his throne to meet her, and he bowed down before her. When he sat down on his throne again, the king ordered that a throne be brought for his mother, and she sat at his right hand.
20. “I have one small request to make of you,” she said. “I hope you won’t turn me down.”“What is it, my mother?” he asked. “You know I won’t refuse you.”
21. “Then let your brother Adonijah marry Abishag, the girl from Shunem,” she replied.