1 Kings 1:10

KJV

But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Nathan {H5416} the prophet {H5030}, and Benaiah {H1141}, and the mighty men {H1368}, and Solomon {H8010} his brother {H251}, he called {H7121} not.

Complete Jewish Bible

but he did not summon Natan the prophet, B'nayah, the elite guard or Shlomo his brother.

Berean Standard Bible

But he did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, or his brother Solomon.

American Standard Version

but Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 1:10 is a pivotal verse in the unfolding narrative of David's succession, meticulously detailing the strategic omissions from Adonijah's self-proclaimed coronation feast. By deliberately excluding key figures such as Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, David's loyal mighty men, and Solomon, Adonijah unequivocally signals his intent to usurp the throne, bypassing both legitimate authority and divine appointment, thereby setting the stage for a dramatic and decisive conflict over the kingdom's future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the book of 1 Kings, immediately following Adonijah's audacious self-exaltation and declaration of kingship in [1 Kings 1:5](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5 - Adonijah's Self-Exaltation"). The preceding verses establish King David's advanced age and physical frailty, creating a perceived power vacuum that Adonijah attempts to exploit. Verse 10 specifically lists those who were *not* invited to his feast, providing a stark contrast to the allies he *did* gather (Joab and Abiathar, mentioned in [1 Kings 1:7](/1_kings/1-7 "1 Kings 1:7 - Adonijah's Allies")). This deliberate exclusion of key loyalists and the divinely appointed successor (Solomon) directly precipitates the swift and decisive counter-action by Nathan and Bathsheba, leading to Solomon's anointing as king, as detailed in the subsequent verses of [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - David's Succession"). The verse functions as a crucial plot point, clarifying the lines of allegiance and opposition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The succession of kings in ancient Israel was often a perilous and contested affair, especially when the reigning monarch was incapacitated or near death. While primogeniture (right of the firstborn) was a common custom, it was not always strictly followed, particularly when a king had multiple wives and sons, or when divine decree intervened, as seen with David himself ([1 Samuel 16:1-13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel Anoints David")). Adonijah, as David's eldest surviving son, might have felt he had a legitimate claim based on custom. However, David had previously promised the throne to Solomon, a promise known to key figures like Nathan and Bathsheba ([1 Kings 1:13](/1_kings/1-13 "1 Kings 1:13 - David's Promise to Bathsheba")). Adonijah's feast at En-rogel, a traditional site for festive gatherings outside Jerusalem, served as a de facto coronation, a common practice to consolidate support and publicly declare one's claim to the throne. The exclusion of specific individuals was a calculated political move, aiming to neutralize potential opposition by denying them a platform or recognition.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It highlights the theme of **Divine Appointment vs. Human Ambition**, showcasing Adonijah's self-serving efforts to seize power in direct opposition to God's established will for Solomon ([1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9-10 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - God's Promise to Solomon")). The verse also underscores the theme of **Loyalty and Betrayal**, as Adonijah's actions reveal a betrayal of David's wishes and a challenge to the established order, contrasting sharply with the unwavering loyalty of those he excluded. Furthermore, it sets the stage for the **Struggle for the Throne**, a recurring motif in monarchical narratives, where the rightful heir must contend with rivals. The strategic exclusions listed in [1 Kings 1:10](/1_kings/1-10 "1 Kings 1:10 - Adonijah's Exclusions") are pivotal in demonstrating Adonijah's illegitimate claim and foreshadowing the inevitable conflict that will determine the future of the Davidic dynasty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ_):** This term refers to an inspired individual, one who speaks on behalf of God, conveying divine messages. Nathan's role as "the prophet" signifies his direct connection to God's will and his authority as a divine messenger. His exclusion by Adonijah is a deliberate rejection of prophetic counsel and, by extension, God's established order, particularly concerning the succession of Solomon, which Nathan had been instrumental in affirming.
* **mighty men (Hebrew, _gibbôwr_):** This word describes powerful, valiant warriors, often referring to David's elite, loyal, and highly skilled military force. These were the core of David's personal guard and military strength, known for their unwavering loyalty to the king. Their exclusion from Adonijah's feast is highly significant, indicating that Adonijah did not have the support of the established military elite, a crucial factor for any successful coup. It implies their continued allegiance to David and, by extension, to Solomon, whom David intended to be his successor.
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ_):** This primitive root means "to call out to," "to invite," or "to summon." The explicit statement that these individuals were *not* called (indicated by the preceding Hebrew negative particle) highlights Adonijah's deliberate and calculated act of exclusion. It signifies not merely an oversight but a conscious decision to bypass or alienate those who represented legitimate authority, divine counsel, and military power loyal to David and God's chosen successor. This omission is a political statement of defiance and an attempt to consolidate power without their endorsement or opposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Nathan the prophet":** Nathan was a trusted advisor to King David, God's messenger who delivered both divine judgment ([2 Samuel 12:1-15](/2_samuel/12-15 "2 Samuel 12:1-15 - Nathan Rebukes David")) and promises concerning the Davidic dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:1-17](/2_samuel/7-17 "2 Samuel 7:1-17 - Nathan's Prophecy to David")). His exclusion underscores Adonijah's disregard for divine counsel and prophetic authority, as Nathan was known to be a proponent of Solomon's succession.
* **"and Benaiah":** Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was a formidable military leader, head of David's personal bodyguard, and later became commander of the army under Solomon ([1 Kings 2:34-35](/1_kings/2-34-35 "1 Kings 2:34-35 - Benaiah's Role Under Solomon")). His absence from Adonijah's feast indicates a lack of support from the most powerful and loyal military figures, signaling that Adonijah's claim lacked the necessary military backing from the legitimate royal guard.
* **"and the mighty men":** This refers collectively to David's elite fighting force, renowned for their bravery and loyalty. Their exclusion further emphasizes Adonijah's failure to secure the allegiance of the kingdom's most potent military asset. This group represented the backbone of David's power, and their non-invitation highlighted the illegitimate and precarious nature of Adonijah's attempted coup.
* **"and Solomon his brother, he called not.":** Solomon was David's chosen successor, promised the throne by divine decree and David's oath to Bathsheba ([1 Kings 1:13](/1_kings/1-13 "1 Kings 1:13 - David's Promise to Bathsheba")). Adonijah's deliberate exclusion of Solomon, his half-brother and direct rival, was a clear act of usurpation. It was an attempt to bypass the legitimate line of succession and deny Solomon any claim or presence at the "coronation," thereby attempting to invalidate his future kingship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices that underscore its significance. **Exclusion** is the most prominent, as the entire verse is structured around a list of those *not* invited, highlighting Adonijah's calculated political maneuvering and his attempt to circumvent legitimate authority. This selective **Enumeration** of key figures (Nathan, Benaiah, the mighty men, Solomon) serves to underscore the profound significance of their absence; each name represents a pillar of David's kingdom and God's established order. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Adonijah's deliberate omissions immediately signal the illegitimacy of his claim and hint at the swift and decisive counter-action that will follow, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation over the throne. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between those who are loyal to David and God's will (the excluded) and those who align with Adonijah's rebellious ambition, highlighting the moral and theological stakes of the succession crisis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 1:10 powerfully illustrates the tension between human ambition and divine sovereignty, a recurring theme throughout biblical narrative. Adonijah's calculated exclusions reveal a human attempt to control destiny and secure power through political maneuvering, disregarding established order and, more importantly, God's pre-ordained plan for the Davidic dynasty. This act of usurpation, by sidelining those aligned with God's will and David's promise, serves as a stark reminder that true authority and lasting success do not stem from self-exaltation or the manipulation of circumstances, but from alignment with God's purposes. The narrative demonstrates that God's plan for succession, though momentarily challenged, ultimately prevails, highlighting His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ability to thwart human schemes that oppose His will.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "God Exalts and Brings Down")
* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "The Lord Directs the Lot")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Adonijah's actions in 1 Kings 1:10 serve as a timeless cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the folly of pursuing personal gain at the expense of divine will and legitimate authority. His deliberate exclusion of key individuals who represented wisdom, military strength, and divine appointment highlights a common human tendency to surround ourselves with those who affirm our desires, while consciously sidelining voices of truth, counsel, or opposition. For us today, this verse prompts introspection: Are we, like Adonijah, prone to excluding those who might challenge our self-serving plans, or are we open to godly counsel and divine direction, even when it diverges from our own desires? True wisdom lies in discerning God's path and aligning our aspirations with His sovereign purposes, trusting that His plans for us are for welfare and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope, as promised in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - Plans for Hope and a Future"). This narrative encourages us to embrace humility and submission to God's ultimate authority, recognizing that His ways are always higher and more beneficial than our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to exclude wise counsel or divine guidance in favor of my own desires or ambitions?**
* **How can I better discern God's will and align my plans with His purposes, even when they challenge my preconceived notions or personal preferences?**
* **What are the "mighty men" or "prophets" in my life (e.g., mentors, Scripture, spiritual leaders, conscience) whose voices I should prioritize, rather than exclude for convenience or self-interest?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so significant that these specific people were not invited to Adonijah's feast?**

Answer: The exclusion of Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, and Solomon was profoundly significant because these individuals represented the core pillars of legitimate authority, divine counsel, and military power loyal to King David and, crucially, to God's chosen successor, Solomon. Nathan was God's messenger and David's trusted advisor, fully aware of David's promise to Solomon regarding the throne ([1 Kings 1:13](/1_kings/1-13 "1 Kings 1:13 - David's Promise to Bathsheba")). Benaiah and the "mighty men" were the elite military force, known for their unwavering loyalty to David, and their support was absolutely essential for any successful claim to the throne. Solomon himself was David's divinely appointed heir, whose succession had been confirmed by God ([1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9-10 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - God's Promise to Solomon")). By not inviting them, Adonijah was attempting to bypass the established order, ignore divine will, and consolidate power without the endorsement or potential opposition of those who could legitimately challenge his claim. It was a calculated political maneuver to secure the throne through illegitimate means, revealing his disregard for both human and divine authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 1:10, with its depiction of a contested throne and the rightful heir being momentarily sidelined by an ambitious rival, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate struggle for the true kingship of humanity, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Solomon was the divinely appointed king, often overlooked by human ambition, so too was Jesus, the Son of David, rejected by many who sought a different kind of king or kingdom ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). The "exclusion" of Solomon from Adonijah's feast finds its ultimate parallel in the world's rejection of Christ, who came not with earthly pomp but in humility, yet was the rightful heir to all things ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Appointed Him Heir of All Things")). Despite human attempts to usurp authority or deny His reign, Christ's kingdom is eternal and His appointment by the Father is unshakeable ([Psalm 2:6-8](/psalm/2-6-8 "Psalm 2:6-8 - God's Anointed King")). The narrative of Solomon's eventual enthronement, despite Adonijah's rebellion, points to the certainty of Christ's ultimate triumph and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom, where He reigns as the true [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whom no one can exclude from His rightful throne. His reign is not by human invitation or political maneuvering, but by divine decree and ultimate victory over all opposing powers, as seen in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 12:24

And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.

1 Kings 1:8

But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which [belonged] to David, were not with Adonijah.

1 Kings 1:19

And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called.

2 Samuel 12:1

¶ And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.

2 Samuel 12:15

¶ And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.