1 Kings 1:7

“And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest, etc.] About getting the kingdom into his hands: and they were very proper persons to consult with, who, if gained to his interest, might be of great service, the one being the general of the army, and so had a great interest in the soldiery, with whom he could make way for him, and defend him, and the other was the high priest, who might be thought to have a great share in the affections of the people, and whose office it was to anoint the king; and he might the rather apply to them, knowing them to be, on some accounts, discontented persons: and they following Adonijah, helped [him]; they took on his side; Joab…”

“he conferred with Joab--The anxiety of Adonijah to secure the influence of a leader so bold, enterprising, and popular with the army was natural, and the accession of the hoary commander is easily accounted for from his recent grudge at the king (see on Sa2 19:13). and with Abiathar the priest--His influence was as great over the priests and Levites--a powerful body in the kingdom--as that of Joab over the troops. It might be that both of them thought the crown belonged to Adonijah by right of primogeniture, from his mature age and the general expectations of the people (Kg1 2:15).”

“Joab’s defection on this occasion, after his faithful adherence to David during the troubles caused by Absalom 2 Samuel 18:2-17, may be accounted for by his fear that Solomon would be a “man of rest” 1 Chronicles 22:9 and by his preference for the character of Adonijah. He may also have thought that Adonijah, as the eldest son 1 Kings 1:5, had almost a right to succeed. Abiathar’s defection is still more surprising than Joab’s. For his history, see 1 Samuel 22:20 note. Hereto, David and he had been the firmest of friends. It has been conjectured that he had grown jealous of Zadok, and feared being supplanted by him. return to 'Top of Page'”

“They helped - Either because they thought the right of the crown was his: or to secure and advance their own interest. It seems God left them to themselves, to correct them for former miscarriages, with a rod of their own making. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 1:10”

“1:7 Joab, David’s military commander, and Abiathar, the high priest, gave Adonijah powerful military and religious backing in his pursuit of the throne.”

“And he conferred: Heb. his words were, Sa2 15:12; Psa 2:2 Joab: Kg1 2:28; Sa2 8:16, Sa2 20:23 Abiathar: Sa1 22:20-23; Sa2 15:24-29, Sa2 15:35, Sa2 20:25 following Adonijah helped him: Heb. helped after Adonijah, Kg1 2:22, Kg1 2:26-35 3 Kings (1 Kings) 1:8”