The Bible Says
1 Kings 1:22-27 Meaning

1 Kings 1:22-27 begins with: Behold, while she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet came in (v. 22). Here, we see a dramatic interruption in the royal court at Jerusalem. Bathsheba is in the midst of her plea to King David, who is advanced in years, and Nathan arrives unexpectedly. This event occurs toward the end of David’s reign, around 970 BC, a time when the question of succession is urgent. Many in the palace know David’s health is failing, and they scramble to ensure that the rightful heir is established.

Nathan the prophet stands as a key figure, not only because he previously confronted David over moral failings (2 Samuel 12), but also because he is God’s spokesman in David’s royal administration. His timely arrival underscores the urgency of the moment and the significance of his role in affirming the true heir. By coming right as Bathsheba makes her appeal, Nathan coordinates with her to confirm the threat arising from Adonijah’s presumptive grab for power.

This scene further highlights that Nathan is a trusted counselor who wants to protect both David’s legacy and God’s unfolding plan. The kingdom’s stability is at risk if a usurper takes the throne, and Nathan’s entrance is a signal that God’s chosen instruments will speak up at exactly the right time. His presence lends immediate credibility and influence to Bathsheba’s plea before the ailing monarch.

Next we read They told the king, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he came in before the king, he prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground (v. 23), we see how properly Nathan greets David. The custom of bowing low signifies both reverence and recognition of David’s authority, even in his weakened condition. It shows that while Nathan carries divine authority as a prophet, he also respects the earthly office of Israel’s anointed king.

Nathan’s full humility before David sets an example of loyalty to God’s established leadership. It also creates a solemn atmosphere where David can grasp the seriousness of the report he is about to receive. Instead of using a forceful demand, Nathan approaches with courtesy fitting for the prophet-king relationship.

Through this simple act of bowing, we observe a covenantal order in the kingdom of Israel: God, through His prophets, directs His chosen leader. In turn, the leader humbly acknowledges he is under divine guidance. Nathan’s approach readies David to heed the message about the succession crisis unfolding in the royal court.

Continuing, Then Nathan said, “My lord the king, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne’?” (v. 24), Nathan directly questions David regarding Adonijah’s self-proclaimed rule. Historically, Adonijah is David’s fourth son (born around the early years of David’s reign), and he has taken advantage of the king’s impaired condition to crown himself. Nathan’s question forces David to address whether he personally authorized this move.

Nathan’s respectful tone (calling David “my lord”) still carries the weight of a challenge. He wants the king to clarify the matter swiftly. As the prophet, he cannot afford for rumors and confusion to reign unchecked. He is aware that God’s covenant purposes require the throne to pass to the suitable leader, which, according to earlier promises, should be Solomon (1 Chronicles 22).

By appealing to David in a direct yet deferential manner, Nathan sets the stage for David’s decisive answer. Should David confirm Adonijah’s claim, Nathan would yield. But if David denies it, then swift corrective action must follow to install the rightful heir, stopping a dangerous coup and preserving the divine plan.

Next, For he has gone down today and has sacrificed oxen and fatlings and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the king’s sons and the commanders of the army and Abiathar the priest, and behold, they are eating and drinking before him; and they say, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ (v. 25) describes the scene of Adonijah’s lavish festivities. These sacrifices and feasts typically accompany coronation celebrations, taking place at key sites near Jerusalem, possibly near the stone of Zoheleth or En-rogel, just outside the city limits. Gathering important military leaders and priests is Adonijah’s grab for legitimacy.

In ancient Israel, such sacrificial banquets often marked the anointing or public declaration of a new king, signifying divine and communal support. Abiathar the priest, who once served David, now backs Adonijah, which elevates the sense of betrayal. Army generals present show the potential for uniformed power behind this would-be new king.

The expression “Long live King Adonijah!” echoes in the ears of those still loyal to David. Nathan recounts this to David with quiet urgency, making it clear that the rival claimant is actively consolidating support. Without David’s swift response, the entire nation might see Adonijah confirmed before the rightful heir is even announced.

Continuing the revelation, But me, even me your servant, and Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and your servant Solomon, he has not invited (v. 26) demonstrates that Adonijah carefully excluded key figures. Zadok the priest, who would eventually anoint Solomon, is conspicuously absent from the gathering. Benaiah, a valiant warrior from David’s inner circle, is likewise not invited, revealing that Adonijah aims to sideline the most loyal supporters of both David and Solomon.

Nathan calls himself “your servant,” a reminder that he is under David’s instructions, again affirming David’s authority. His repetition of “even me your servant” emphasizes the importance of who is left out. Adonijah’s intentions are exposed: by omitting these crucial individuals, especially Solomon, he effectively declares a new regime without them.

This detail foreshadows the confrontation that must come. Traditional support for Solomon still exists, and many of David’s devoted allies remain loyal. By targeting only those who might endorse Solomon’s claim, Adonijah shows his attempt is an affront both to David and to the divine promises linked to Solomon’s future kingship.

Finally, Has this thing been done by my lord the king, and you have not shown to your servants who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him? (v. 27) puts the question succinctly: Is Adonijah’s act legitimate? David is asked plainly whether he has secretly changed his mind and named Adonijah as heir without telling Nathan and the others. This moment puts David in the spotlight. He must either confirm or oppose Adonijah’s claim.

By asking why David has not “shown” his servants the plan, Nathan underlines that public clarity is essential. A regarded prophet and other loyal officials should have been informed of such a monumental decision. Secrecy in transferring the throne would create instability and mistrust across the kingdom. This final verse sets the stage for David’s immediate action.

The gravity of Nathan’s question reflects the broader tension in these chapters: the fate of the Davidic dynasty hinges on the aging king’s response. God’s covenant to raise up one of David’s sons as a lasting ruler (2 Samuel 7) is on the line. In the verses that follow, David must clarify who will rightfully inherit his throne, ensuring God’s promise remains intact.