Bath-Sheba and Nathan
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Nathan heard of the conspiracy unfolding and immediately informed Bath-sheba. “The mother of Solomon had the freedom of the palace and quickly made her way into the king’s presence, ill as he was. As she bowed low with the humble prostration of a suppliant, David recognized immediately that something of unusual import had prompted the call and he asked for details. . . . Bath-sheba began by reminding her husband of his promise to her that her son Solomon would succeed to the throne, and then abruptly informed him that in spite of this promise Adonijah was already king. Adonijah had presumed to take the kingdom while David himself was still on the throne. In such a situation the eyes of all Israel were on David to see what his move would be. Bath-sheba reminded him of his responsibility to the nation at this hour of crisis, and of the fact that if he did not act he would bear the blame for whatever fate would befall her and her son. “. . . At the climactic moment, Nathan entered and interrupted the queen with his urgent report. Bath-sheba adroitly withdrew (see v. 28), allowing Nathan the opportunity to make the same startling announcement, that Adonijah reigned. Surely this could not be without the command of the king! But how could David have given such orders as these? Why had he done it without a word to his trusted counselor and friend? Each question was an implied rebuke, a thrust at the king for having had part in a procedure so uncalled for, an outrage aimed directly at Solomon, Benaiah, and Zadok. How could David have turned his back on these men who had been so close to him? The questions were asked, of course, merely to draw a vehement denial from the king.” “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him” (Proverbs 26:12).
