1 Kings 1:7

KJV

And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped [him].

KJV (with Strong's)

And he conferred {H1697} with Joab {H3097} the son {H1121} of Zeruiah {H6870}, and with Abiathar {H54} the priest {H3548}: and they following {H310} Adonijah {H138} helped {H5826} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

He conferred with Yo'av the son of Tz'ruyah and Evyatar the cohen; and they both supported Adoniyah.

Berean Standard Bible

So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him.

American Standard Version

And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 1:7 unveils Adonijah's strategic maneuver to usurp the throne from his aging father, King David, by securing the allegiance of two immensely powerful figures: Joab, the seasoned commander of David's army, and Abiathar, one of the chief priests. This verse highlights the formation of a critical alliance, lending significant military strength and religious legitimacy to Adonijah's premature and unauthorized claim to kingship, setting the stage for a dramatic succession crisis within the Davidic dynasty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the opening chapter of 1 Kings, immediately following the description of King David's advanced age and physical frailty, which created a power vacuum (1 Kings 1:1-4). Adonijah's self-exaltation as king, complete with chariots, horsemen, and fifty men to run before him, is detailed in [1 Kings 1:5-6](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5-6 - Adonijah's Self-Exaltation"). Verse 7 then reveals the key conspirators who joined him, directly contrasting with those who remained loyal to David and his divinely appointed successor, Solomon, as listed in [1 Kings 1:8](/1_kings/1-8 "1 Kings 1:8 - Those Loyal to David and Solomon"). The alliance of Joab and Abiathar underscores the seriousness of Adonijah's challenge and sets the stage for Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba to intervene on Solomon's behalf in the subsequent verses ([1 Kings 1:11-31](/1_kings/1-11 "1 Kings 1:11-31 - Nathan and Bathsheba's Intervention")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop for this verse is the twilight of King David's illustrious reign, a period often fraught with succession struggles in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, especially when the reigning king had not clearly designated an heir. David's physical decline, noted in [1 Kings 1:1](/1_kings/1-1 "1 Kings 1:1 - David's Old Age"), created an opportunity for ambitious sons. Adonijah, as the eldest surviving son after the deaths of Amnon and Absalom, might have felt a traditional claim to the throne. Joab, David's long-serving and often ruthless commander, had a history of acting independently and decisively, as seen in his killing of Absalom ([2 Samuel 18:14](/2_samuel/18-14 "2 Samuel 18:14 - Joab Kills Absalom")) and Amasa ([2 Samuel 20:10](/2_samuel/20-10 "2 Samuel 20:10 - Joab Kills Amasa")). Abiathar, a descendant of Eli, had been a loyal priest to David since the days of Saul ([1 Samuel 22:20-23](/1_samuel/22-20 "1 Samuel 22:20-23 - Abiathar Joins David")), even carrying the ephod during Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 15:24](/2_samuel/15-24 "2 Samuel 15:24 - Abiathar with the Ark")). His defection to Adonijah was particularly significant, as it lent religious sanction to the coup attempt. The involvement of these two powerful figures indicates a well-orchestrated, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, bid for power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the **struggle for succession** and the inherent dangers of an unclear or contested transfer of power in a monarchy. Adonijah's actions directly challenge David's private promise that Solomon would be king ([1 Kings 1:17](/1_kings/1-17 "1 Kings 1:17 - David's Promise to Bathsheba")). Secondly, it underscores the **influence of key figures** and the critical role of loyalty (or disloyalty) in court politics. The allegiance of military and religious leaders like Joab and Abiathar could make or break a claim to the throne. Their decision to side with Adonijah reflects a misjudgment of God's sovereign plan, which had already designated Solomon as David's successor ([1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - God's Choice of Solomon")). Lastly, the verse introduces the theme of **divine sovereignty versus human ambition**, as Adonijah's self-appointed kingship stands in stark contrast to God's ultimate control over the Davidic line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **conferred (Hebrew, _yiddabber'_):** This word, derived from the root דָּבַר (_dabar_), meaning "to speak," is used here in the Hiphil stem, suggesting a deliberate, intensive, or causative action. It implies more than a casual conversation; it denotes a serious consultation, a negotiation, or even a conspiratorial discussion aimed at forging an alliance. Adonijah was not merely informing Joab and Abiathar of his intentions, but actively engaging them in a strategic planning session, seeking their counsel and securing their commitment to his cause. This highlights the intentional and calculated nature of his usurpation attempt.
* **helped (Hebrew, _‘ozrim'_):** This term is a Qal participle plural of the verb עָזַר (_‘azar_), meaning "to help," "support," or "assist." In this context, it signifies active participation and direct aid to Adonijah's bid for the throne. Joab and Abiathar were not passive observers; they were active participants, lending their considerable authority, influence, and resources to Adonijah's rebellion. Their "help" was a tangible endorsement and a commitment of their respective spheres of power—military and religious—to Adonijah's cause.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah":** This clause establishes Adonijah's primary strategic move: securing the backing of Joab, David's long-standing and highly influential army commander. Joab's support was crucial, as he commanded the loyalty of the military and possessed the practical means to enforce a claim to the throne. The phrase "conferred with" emphasizes the deliberate and conspiratorial nature of this alliance.
* **"and with Abiathar the priest":** Adonijah further solidified his position by gaining the support of Abiathar, one of the two chief priests (the other being Zadok). Abiathar's involvement was significant because it lent religious legitimacy and divine sanction (or the appearance thereof) to Adonijah's claim, potentially swaying public opinion and the religious establishment. This alliance demonstrates Adonijah's understanding of the dual pillars of power in ancient Israel: military might and religious authority.
* **"and they following Adonijah helped [him].":** This concluding phrase confirms the active participation and allegiance of both Joab and Abiathar. They were not merely consulted; they became adherents and active supporters of Adonijah's self-proclaimed kingship. The term "following" suggests a commitment to his leadership, while "helped" indicates their direct involvement in the practical aspects of his usurpation, such as organizing the feast and gathering supporters mentioned in [1 Kings 1:9](/1_kings/1-9 "1 Kings 1:9 - Adonijah's Feast").

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. **Characterization** is evident, as the choices of Joab and Abiathar immediately reveal their shifting loyalties and perhaps their ambition or pragmatism in aligning with what they perceived as the rising power. **Foreshadowing** is also present, as this alliance of powerful figures immediately signals the gravity of the succession crisis and the potential for civil strife, setting the stage for the dramatic events that unfold in the rest of the chapter. Furthermore, there is an implicit **juxtaposition** with the loyalists mentioned in [1 Kings 1:8](/1_kings/1-8 "1 Kings 1:8 - Those Loyal to David and Solomon") (Zadok, Benaiah, Nathan), highlighting the divided loyalties within David's court and underscoring the contrast between those who respected David's will and God's apparent plan, and those who pursued their own interests.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse highlights the tension between human ambition and divine sovereignty, a recurring theme throughout biblical narrative. Adonijah, Joab, and Abiathar sought to establish a king through human means and political maneuvering, seemingly ignoring or disregarding any divine appointment or David's prior promises concerning Solomon. Their actions reflect a common human tendency to seize power and control, rather than patiently waiting for God's timing and plan. Ultimately, their scheme failed, demonstrating that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human conspiracies. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that while humans make plans, the Lord's purpose will prevail.
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Stand")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The alliance formed in 1 Kings 1:7 serves as a profound cautionary tale for believers today. It reminds us that even individuals of great influence, experience, and spiritual standing (like a military commander and a high priest) can be swayed by ambition, misplaced loyalties, or a desire for power that runs contrary to God's revealed will. This narrative challenges us to critically examine our own allegiances: are we aligning ourselves with human schemes and worldly power structures, or are we committed to discerning and following God's appointed path, even when it seems less advantageous or popular? The eventual consequences faced by Joab and Abiathar underscore that choices made outside of God's will, particularly in matters of leadership and authority, carry significant and often severe repercussions. Our ultimate loyalty must always be to God and His purposes, trusting in His sovereignty to establish true and righteous leadership.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between legitimate authority and self-proclaimed leadership in my own life or community?**
* **What temptations might lead me to align with popular or powerful figures, even if their actions seem to deviate from God's will?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to take matters into my own hands, rather than trusting God's timing and appointment?**
* **How does the eventual outcome of Adonijah's rebellion inform my understanding of God's sovereignty over human plans?**

### FAQ

**Why did Joab and Abiathar, who had been loyal to David, side with Adonijah?**

Answer: Joab and Abiathar's decision to support Adonijah is complex, likely stemming from a combination of factors. For Joab, it may have been a pragmatic calculation of power. He was an old warrior, and perhaps saw Adonijah, the eldest surviving son, as the natural successor, ensuring his own continued influence and position within the new administration. He might have felt overlooked or threatened by David's perceived favoritism towards Solomon, or perhaps he simply misread the political landscape. For Abiathar, his motivations are less clear, but it's possible he felt his priestly lineage (from Eli's house) was being marginalized in favor of Zadok (from Aaron's line, Eleazar's branch), who was also a high priest. Siding with Adonijah could have been an attempt to secure his own family's preeminence. Both men, despite their long history with David, ultimately chose to align with a perceived rising power, demonstrating a failure to discern God's will for the succession, which had already designated Solomon ([1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - God's Choice of Solomon")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Adonijah's self-exaltation and the misguided allegiance of Joab and Abiathar finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human ambition and divine appointment. Adonijah sought the throne through self-proclamation and political maneuvering, gathering supporters to legitimize his claim. This stands in stark opposition to the true King, Jesus Christ, who did not grasp for power or self-exalt Himself, but rather "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). His kingship is not earned through human conspiracy or military might, but is divinely ordained and eternally established by God the Father ([Psalm 2:6-7](/psalms/2-6 "Psalm 2:6-7 - God's Anointed King"), [Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - The Son's Throne is Forever")). Unlike Joab and Abiathar, who chose to follow a self-appointed king, believers are called to pledge their ultimate loyalty to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who was slain and by His blood purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, making them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb's Worthiness")). His authority is not temporary or contested, but is "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and His reign is eternal, bringing true justice and peace, a stark contrast to the turbulent and self-serving ambitions of Adonijah and his co-conspirators.

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 20:25

And Sheva [was] scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar [were] the priests:

1 Kings 2:22

And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he [is] mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

2 Samuel 15:24

¶ And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites [were] with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.

2 Samuel 15:29

Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.

1 Kings 2:26

¶ And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou [art] worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the Lord GOD before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted.

1 Kings 2:35

¶ And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.

Psalms 2:2

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],