1 Kings 1:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Zadok {H6659} the priest {H3548}, and Benaiah {H1141} the son {H1121} of Jehoiada {H3077}, and Nathan {H5416} the prophet {H5030}, and Shimei {H8096}, and Rei {H7472}, and the mighty men {H1368} which belonged to David {H1732}, were not with Adonijah {H138}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Tzadok the cohen, B'nayah the son of Y'hoyada, Natan the prophet, Shim'i, Re'i and David's elite guard were not on Adoniyah's side.

Berean Standard Bible

But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 1:8 stands as a pivotal counterpoint to Adonijah's audacious bid for the throne, immediately introducing a distinguished cohort of loyalists who steadfastly refused to align with his self-proclaimed kingship. This verse highlights key figures—Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David's elite "mighty men"—whose collective stand underscored a profound spiritual and political divide within David's court, signaling a divinely guided opposition to the illegitimate claim and meticulously setting the stage for Solomon's rightful and God-ordained succession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial narrative pivot, immediately following the detailed account of Adonijah's audacious self-proclamation as king in [1 Kings 1:5-7](/1_kings/1-5-7 "1 Kings 1:5-7 - Adonijah's Usurpation"). Adonijah, capitalizing on King David's advanced age and physical frailty, meticulously gathers support from influential figures such as Joab, David's seasoned military commander, and Abiathar the priest, thereby presenting a formidable challenge to the established order. However, [1 Kings 1:8](/1_kings/1-8 "1 Kings 1:8 - David's Loyalists") acts as a powerful "but" statement, instantly introducing the equally, if not more, powerful and divinely connected individuals who decisively did *not* join Adonijah's faction. This immediate juxtaposition is critical, highlighting the significant opposition to Adonijah's coup and setting the narrative trajectory for the subsequent intervention by Nathan and Bathsheba, which ultimately culminates in Solomon's legitimate anointing. The verse thus functions as a narrative device that signals the presence of a loyal core, divinely positioned to uphold God's will for the succession.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period depicted is the twilight of King David's illustrious reign, a time inherently fraught with the complexities of succession crises, a common challenge in ancient Near Eastern monarchies. While primogeniture was a recognized practice, divine appointment frequently superseded it, as exemplified by David's own selection over his elder brothers, a narrative powerfully recounted in [1 Samuel 16:6-13](/1_samuel/16-6-13 "1 Samuel 16:6-13 - David Anointed King"). The roles of priest, prophet, and military commander were not merely political offices but were deeply intertwined with the spiritual and divine legitimacy of the monarch. A king's authority was widely perceived as divinely sanctioned, and the unwavering support of key religious and military figures was indispensable for a stable and recognized transfer of power. Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne bypassed both David's explicit consent and any divine indication, rendering it an act of rebellion against both human and divine authority. The strategic presence of Zadok (a high priest), Nathan (a prophet), and Benaiah (commander of the elite guard) among David's loyalists profoundly signifies that true power and divine favor unequivocally remained with the aging king and his divinely chosen successor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes that permeate [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - The Succession of Solomon") and the broader narrative of the Davidic kingdom. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty in Succession**. Despite the overt human ambition, political maneuvering, and attempted usurpation, God's predetermined plan for the Davidic throne, as solemnly promised in the Davidic Covenant found in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"), is shown to be inviolable. The steadfast loyalty of key figures like Nathan, who himself had delivered this very promise, powerfully underscores that the legitimate transfer of power was not merely a political maneuver but an act meticulously guided by divine providence. This also highlights the theme of **Loyalty and Integrity** in stark contrast to opportunistic ambition. The faithful adherence of Zadok, Benaiah, and Nathan to King David and God's established order stands as a beacon of righteousness, sharply contrasting with Adonijah's self-serving and rebellious actions. Finally, the verse speaks directly to the **Legitimacy of Authority**. By their resolute refusal to join Adonijah, these crucial spiritual and military pillars effectively delegitimized his claim, demonstrating that true authority ultimately rests upon God's appointment and the discerning support of those who recognize and uphold His divine will, rather than on self-proclamation or popular acclaim.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zadok (Hebrew, _Tsâdôwq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "just," Zadok was a prominent and righteous priest who served alongside Abiathar during King David's reign. Crucially, unlike Abiathar who sided with Adonijah, Zadok remained unwavering in his loyalty to David and to God's chosen succession. His steadfast allegiance ensured the continuity of legitimate priestly support for the true king, and he would later ascend to become the sole high priest under Solomon, symbolizing divine favor and a profound commitment to the established divine order.
* **Nathan (Hebrew, _Nâthân'_):** Meaning "given," Nathan was a prophet of immense spiritual and political significance in David's court. He served as God's direct messenger to David, delivering the pivotal Davidic Covenant in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") and later courageously confronting David over his sin with Bathsheba in [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan Confronts David"). His inclusion among the loyalists is paramount, as it unequivocally signifies that the legitimate succession was fully aligned with divine will and prophetic endorsement, acting as God's authoritative voice in the unfolding political drama.
* **Mighty Men (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This term refers to David's elite warriors, a highly respected and formidable group renowned for their exceptional valor, unparalleled skill, and unwavering personal devotion to King David, as detailed in [2 Samuel 23:8-39](/2_samuel/23-8-39 "2 Samuel 23:8-39 - David's Mighty Men"). Their resolute refusal to support Adonijah represented a significant and decisive blow to his attempted coup, indicating that the core of David's loyal military strength remained firmly with the king and his divinely appointed successor. Their loyalty transcended mere political allegiance; it was a deep personal commitment to David and, implicitly, to the divine mandate upon his house.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet":** This initial grouping meticulously highlights the three most influential figures in David's court who were explicitly and decisively *not* with Adonijah. Zadok represents the legitimate religious authority, Benaiah embodies the supreme military power and security, and Nathan personifies the divine prophetic voice. Their united opposition powerfully signifies that Adonijah lacked support from the spiritual, military, and prophetic pillars of the kingdom, unequivocally indicating that his claim was illegitimate in the eyes of God and David's most trusted advisors.
* **"and Shimei, and Rei":** These individuals are less prominently featured in the broader biblical narrative compared to the preceding three. Shimei is notably the Benjamite who famously cursed David during Absalom's rebellion in [2 Samuel 16:5-13](/2_samuel/16-5-13 "2 Samuel 16:5-13 - Shimei Curses David") but later sought forgiveness. His inclusion here suggests either a renewed, genuine loyalty or a shrewd strategic decision to align with the true power, perhaps indicating the broader base of support for David beyond his immediate inner circle. Rei is mentioned only in this specific context, signifying another trusted, though unnamed, loyalist. Their presence further reinforces the wide-ranging opposition to Adonijah's usurpation.
* **"and the mighty men which [belonged] to David":** This phrase refers to David's elite personal guard and his most valiant warriors, whose loyalty was absolutely paramount. Their unwavering devotion to David personally, and their resolute refusal to join Adonijah's faction, was a decisive factor. It meant that Adonijah's attempted coup lacked the crucial backing of the king's most formidable and loyal military force, severely undermining his chances of success and signaling the inevitable failure of his plot.
* **"were not with Adonijah":** This concluding phrase serves as the operative and definitive statement of the verse. It explicitly and emphatically states the non-participation of these key figures in Adonijah's rebellion. This absence of support from such influential and divinely connected individuals immediately delegitimizes Adonijah's claim and powerfully foreshadows the ultimate failure of his ambitious plot, meticulously setting the stage for the true and divinely ordained succession to unfold according to God's sovereign plan.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device powerfully employed in [1 Kings 1:8](/1_kings/1-8 "1 Kings 1:8 - David's Loyalists") is **Contrast**. The verse immediately follows the detailed description of Adonijah's self-exaltation and the powerful figures who supported him (Joab and Abiathar). By juxtaposing this with a meticulously listed group of equally, if not more, powerful and divinely connected individuals who were *not* with Adonijah, the author creates a sharp and intentional dichotomy. This contrast vividly highlights the illegitimate nature of Adonijah's claim against the divinely sanctioned authority represented by David's loyalists. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Foreshadowing**, as the strategic alignment of Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah with David's true interests strongly hints at the eventual failure of Adonijah's coup and the successful enthronement of Solomon. The deliberate and specific listing of these particular individuals also employs **Synecdoche**, where these key figures represent the entire legitimate power structure and the divine will that stood resolutely against Adonijah's rebellious aspirations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Kings 1:8](/1_kings/1-8 "1 Kings 1:8 - David's Loyalists") powerfully illustrates the profound principle of divine sovereignty in the appointment of leaders, even amidst intense human ambition, political intrigue, and attempted usurpation. The unwavering loyalty of Zadok, Benaiah, and Nathan is not merely a matter of political allegiance but a deep and profound commitment to God's established order and His prophetic word concerning the Davidic dynasty. Their resolute refusal to join Adonijah underscores the truth that true authority is not seized through human machinations but is divinely bestowed by God, and those who align themselves with His eternal purposes will ultimately prevail. This verse stands as a testament to God's faithfulness in upholding His covenant promises, utilizing faithful individuals as instruments of His sovereign will to ensure that His chosen heir, Solomon, would ascend the throne. It teaches us that spiritual discernment and unwavering integrity in leadership, and in those who support leaders, are paramount for maintaining divine order and receiving divine blessing.

* [1 Samuel 16:1-13](/1_samuel/16-1-13 "Samuel Anoints David")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "God Exalts and Brings Low")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Authority from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The steadfast loyalty of Zadok, Benaiah, and Nathan in [1 Kings 1:8](/1_kings/1-8 "1 Kings 1:8 - David's Loyalists") offers a profound and enduring lesson for believers today: the critical importance of discerning and aligning with God's sovereign will, even when popular opinion or powerful, self-serving factions appear to be moving in a contrary direction. In a world often characterized by relentless self-promotion, unbridled ambition, and the relentless pursuit of earthly power, this verse calls us to embrace a higher standard of integrity, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to divine truth. It serves as a powerful reminder that true authority originates from God alone, and therefore, our ultimate allegiance should be directed toward His eternal purposes, rather than to fleeting human schemes or worldly alliances. Like these loyalists, we are called to stand firm in our convictions, to courageously support righteous leadership, and to trust implicitly that God will ultimately establish and fulfill His perfect plans. This requires profound spiritual discernment, the courage to resist popular currents that deviate from God's path, and a deep, abiding commitment to truth and righteousness in all spheres of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively discern God's will for leadership and authority in my own life, my family, and my community?**
* **What specific temptations do I face to align with popular or powerful factions rather than with what is truly righteous or divinely appointed?**
* **In what tangible ways can I demonstrate unwavering loyalty and integrity in my spheres of influence, even when such faithfulness comes at a personal cost?**
* **How does the powerful example of Zadok, Benaiah, and Nathan encourage me to deepen my trust in God's ultimate sovereignty over all human affairs and political landscapes?**

### FAQ

**Why were these specific individuals listed as not being with Adonijah?**

Answer: These individuals represent the core pillars of legitimate authority and divine favor in King David's kingdom, strategically positioned to underscore the illegitimacy of Adonijah's coup. Zadok was the high priest, representing the spiritual and ceremonial legitimacy of the monarchy; Benaiah commanded David's elite bodyguard and military forces, representing the physical power and security of the throne; and Nathan was the prophet, representing God's direct voice and divine will concerning the succession. Shimei and Rei, though less prominent in the broader narrative, were also trusted loyalists, further demonstrating the breadth of opposition. The "mighty men" were David's most formidable and devoted warriors. Their collective absence from Adonijah's camp signified that his attempted coup lacked support from the most crucial spiritual, military, and prophetic authorities, effectively delegitimizing his claim and indicating that God's favor was not with him. This strategic listing immediately signals to the reader that Adonijah's rebellion is doomed to fail because it lacks the endorsement of those who truly stood for David and God's sovereign plan for the succession, as revealed in [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - The Succession of Solomon").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Kings 1:8](/1_kings/1-8 "1 Kings 1:8 - David's Loyalists"), with its portrayal of a loyal remnant upholding the divinely ordained Davidic succession, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah stood resolutely against an illegitimate claimant to ensure the rightful heir ascended David's earthly throne, so too does a "loyal remnant" of believers throughout history recognize, acknowledge, and faithfully follow Jesus, the true and eternal Son of David, whose lineage is meticulously traced in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). While earthly kingships are inherently prone to usurpation, human ambition, and eventual decay, Christ's kingship is divinely appointed, eternally established, and utterly unassailable. He is the ultimate High Priest, not merely of the Aaronic line but of the eternal order of Melchizedek, perpetually interceding for His people as declared in [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our High Priest"). He is the supreme Prophet, whose words are not merely counsel but eternal life itself, as affirmed in [John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life"). And He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose sovereign reign is proclaimed in [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"). Adonijah's failed attempt to seize an earthly throne powerfully foreshadows the utter futility of all human attempts to usurp God's supreme authority or to establish kingdoms apart from His divine will. In profound contrast, those who, like David's loyalists, align themselves by faith with God's chosen King—Jesus Christ—are not merely part of a temporary earthly kingdom but are citizens of His eternal kingdom, a kingdom "not of this world" yet destined to reign forever, as Jesus Himself declared in [John 18:36-37](/john/18-36-37 "John 18:36-37 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World"). The faithful remnant in [1 Kings 1:8](/1_kings/1-8 "1 Kings 1:8 - David's Loyalists") thus points forward to the blessed and enduring reality of all those who, through saving faith, pledge their unwavering allegiance to the one true King, Jesus Christ, whose glorious reign will never end.

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

1 Kings 4:18

Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin:

2 Samuel 20:25

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

2 Samuel 23:8

¶ These [be] the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same [was] Adino the Eznite: [he lift up his spear] against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.

2 Samuel 23:39

Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.

2 Samuel 8:17

And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, [were] the priests; and Seraiah [was] the scribe;

2 Samuel 8:18

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was over] both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.

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.