1 Kings 1:25
ESV
For he has gone down this day and has sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the king 's sons, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, and saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’
NIV
Today he has gone down and sacrificed great numbers of cattle, fattened calves, and sheep. He has invited all the king’s sons, the commanders of the army and Abiathar the priest. Right now they are eating and drinking with him and saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’
NASB
For he has gone down today and has sacrificed oxen and fattened steers and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the king’s sons, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest, and behold, they are eating and drinking in his presence; and they say, ‘ Long live King Adonijah!’
CSB
For today he went down and lavishly sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep. He invited all the sons of the king, the commanders of the army, and the priest Abiathar. And look! They’re eating and drinking in his presence, and they’re saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’
NLT
Today he has sacrificed many cattle, fattened calves, and sheep, and he has invited all the king’s sons to attend the celebration. He also invited the commanders of the army and Abiathar the priest. They are feasting and drinking with him and shouting, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’
KJV
For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah.
NKJV
For he has gone down today, and has sacrificed oxen and fattened cattle and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the king’s sons, and the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest; and look! They are eating and drinking before him; and they say, ‘ Long live King Adonijah!’
What does 1 Kings 1:25 mean?
Nathan is trying to respectfully and submissively convince David to get out of bed and make Solomon king before the nation falls apart. David's son Adonijah is just outside Jerusalem, throwing himself a coronation celebration. Nathan began by asking David if he approved this (1 Kings 1:24). By asking, Nathan used a tone that affirmed David's authority and still gave him information.Now, Nathan gives straight information. What he says is nearly identical to what he coached Bathsheba to say (1 Kings 1:19). He adds the part about the crowd calling Adonijah a "king."
Abiathar is the son of Ahimelech, the priest at the tabernacle in Nob. David went to Nob and asked for supplies when he fled from Saul. Ahimelech gave him the bread of the covenant and Goliath's sword. Unfortunately, a spy told King Saul, and Saul had all the priests murdered. Only Abiathar escaped to David (1 Samuel 21:1–9; 22:6–23). Abiathar has been with David since the first days of his mercenary career, so it's uncertain why he's going against David's wishes.
Although three or four of David's sons have died, he still has many more, including Solomon's three brothers (1 Chronicles 3:5). Adonijah invited them all to accept him as king. They've likely come to demonstrate loyalty so Adonijah won't kill them later as rivals.
Where Nathan mentions "the commanders," Bathsheba and the Septuagint translators specify Joab. Joab is David's nephew and his military commander (1 Chronicles 2:13–17). David is not pleased with Joab. The general's history includes murdering at least two men in defiance of David's commands, so his decision to follow Adonijah is understandable as an act of self-preservation (2 Samuel 3:26–27; 20:9–10).
Next, Nathan expands on what Bathsheba said. She inferred that if Adonijah became king, he would likely kill her and Solomon (1 Kings 1:21). Nathan lists the people who are still faithful to David: himself, the priest Zadok, and the head of David's bodyguard, Benaiah. Adonijah will likely execute them, too. Nathan then returns to his question: Did you order this and not tell us? (1 Kings 1:26–27).
David acts immediately. He calls Bathsheba back in and vows that Solomon will be king. Then, he arranges the coronation (1 Kings 1:28–40).
