1 Kings 1:8

“But Zadok the priest, etc.] Who bid fair to be the high priest on Solomon’s coming to the throne as he was: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; who was near David’s person, and over his bodyguards, the Cherethites and Pelethites: and Nathan the prophet; a very great intimate of David’s, and his seer, whom he consulted on all occasions: and Shimei; who, according to Abarbinel, was Shimei the son of Gera, who had cursed David, and was afraid of entering into the conspiracy, lest he should be involved in trouble again: though some think this may be that Shimei, one of Solomon’s twelve officers, as after constituted, (<110418>1 Kings 4:18); and Rei; whom the same writer takes to be Hushai the…”

“But Zadok the priest--He had been high priest in the tabernacle at Gibeon under Saul (Ch1 16:39). David, on his accession, had conjoined him and Abiathar equal in the exercise of their high functions (Sa2 8:17; Sa2 15:24, Sa2 15:29, Sa2 15:35). But it is extremely probable that some cause of jealousy or discord between them had arisen, and hence each lent his countenance and support to opposite parties. Benaiah--Distinguished for his bravery (Sa1 23:20), he had been appointed captain of the king's bodyguard (Sa2 8:18; Sa2 20:23; Ch1 18:17), and was regarded by Joab as a rival. Nathan the prophet--He was held in high estimation by David, and stood on the most intimate relations with the royal…”

“There is some difficulty in understanding how Zadok and Abiathar came to be both “priests” at this time, and in what relation they stood to one another. The best explanation seems to be that Abiathar was the real high priest, and officiated at the sanctuary containing the ark of the covenant in Zion, while Zadok performed the offices of chief priest at the tabernacle of Witness at Gibeon 1 Chronicles 16:39. For Benaiah, see 2 Samuel 8:18; 2 Samuel 20:23; 2 Samuel 23:20-21. For Nathan, see 2Sa 7:2-3, 2 Samuel 7:17; 2 Samuel 12:1-15, 2 Samuel 12:25. As privy to all David’s plans 1 Kings 1:24, he had no doubt fully approved the order of succession which the king was known to intend. Shimei and…”

“1:8 Solomon also had influential friends supporting his right to become king. Zadok was in the priestly line of Eleazar, Benaiah commanded David’s bodyguard and his thirty mighty men (2 Sam 23:20-23), Shimei was one of Solomon’s district governors (1 Kgs 4:18), and Nathan was David’s trusted prophet. Rei is unknown beyond this verse.”

“Zadok: Kg1 2:35; Sa2 8:17, Sa2 8:18, Sa2 20:25; Ch1 27:5, Ch1 27:6; Eze 44:15 Nathan: Sa2 7:2-4, Sa2 12:1-15 Shimei: Kg1 4:18; Zac 12:13 the mighty: 2Sam. 23:8-39; 1Chr. 11:10-47 3 Kings (1 Kings) 1:9”