1 Kings 1:8

Verse 8. Sadoc, the rival of Abiathar, and a descendant of Eleazar. David had permitted both to perform the functions of the high priesthood; ( Calmet.) or one had acted as the delegate of the other. Salien.—Banaias was distinguished for his valour, 2 Kennicott. 23:20. He was the flower of his age, and, perhaps, aspired at the authority of Joab, whose credit began to decline; as he was grown old, and was known to be rather disagreeable to David, and had been guilty of such horrid murders. Both the contending princes sought to ingratiate themselves with the army and with the priests, as their influence was of the utmost consequence. Solomon was more fortunate, in having also Nathan the prophet on his side; but the throne was secured to him much more on account of the divine decree, 2 Kennicott. 7:12 and 12:25. Bible.—Nathan is commonly considered as the tutor of the young prince, ( Menochius.) and was styled his “father.” Calmet.—Semei, or Nabath, father of Jeroboam; and Rei, or Ira, who is styled the priest of David, 2 Kennicott. 20:26. Saint Jerome Tradit. Menochius.—To confound Semei with Nabath is wrong. Salien.—Army; the king’s guard consisting chiefly of the Cerethi, and so forth ( Calmet.) who were under Banaias. The whole army, over which Joab was general, was not always in arms. Septuagint “Semei and Resi, other copies read ( Bible.) his friends,” (with Syr. Arab.) “and Daia, heroes of David.” Hebrew may be, “neither the hearers nor the seers, nor the brave men of David were with Adonias.” The populace, or the disciples, as well as the prophets, may be thus denoted.