1. Adonijah puts himself forward as king (1-10)

King David was very old and unable to keep himself warm. A very beautiful virgin named Abishag was brought to stay with and care for the aged king. David was not intimate with her. Adonijah interpreted his father's feebleness as an opportunity to seize the throne. He gathered political support, announced his claim and held a big feast. He also excluded potential rivals. Though handsome and shrewd, Adonijah had been neglected by David. His unchecked pride led to his downfall, just like his older brother Absalom.

2. David is reminded about Solomon (11-27)

Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba were among those excluded by Adonijah. They visited David to explain what Adonijah had done. Bathsheba also reminded David of his promise to make Solomon his successor. Though this promise is not recorded elsewhere, the LORD revealed his specific love for Solomon (2 Sa 12:24,25). The future of Israel depended on David's response to this royal crisis.