1 Kings 1:26

But me, euen me thy seruant, and Zadok the Priest, and Benaiah the sonne of Iehoiada, and thy seruant Solomon hath he not called. 1 Kings 1:26 (KJV)

The verse occurs within the larger narrative of 1 Kings that records the transfer of authority from the aging King David to his son Solomon. At this point David is advanced in years, and his son Adonijah seizes the opportunity presented by his father’s frailty to proclaim himself king. Adonijah’s self‑appointed coronation, however, omits several key individuals who had been loyal supporters of David throughout his reign.

Among those excluded are Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, as well as Bathsheba and her son Solomon. Nathan, together with Zadok and Benaiah, had previously gone to David to discuss the succession (1 Kings 1:13‑14). In a separate exchange recorded in 1 Kings 1:12‑13, Nathan speaks directly to Bathsheba, reminding him of David’s promise that Solomon would succeed him and urging her to act to secure that promise.

The exclusion of these influential figures underscores their importance in the unfolding events. Their loyalty, prophetic authority, and priestly standing become decisive in the plan that follows. Nathan, Bathsheba, and Solomon devise a strategy to bring their concerns before David, seeking his explicit endorsement of Solomon as heir. Their concerted effort persuades David to reaffirm his oath and to arrange for Solomon’s anointing.

The narrative thus moves from the tension of Adonijah’s premature claim to the decisive action of the faithful servants who ensure that the rightful succession is honored. The plan succeeds, and Solomon is subsequently anointed as the next king of Israel, restoring the legitimate line of Davidic rule.