מלכים א, פרק א׳, פסוק כ׳

Bathsheba stands before King David during a critical struggle for the throne, urgently trying to move him to action. Her words are designed to clarify that despite the political maneuvers Adonijah has already made, the ultimate authority to choose the next king rests entirely in David's hands. She approaches the situation with careful political and psychological strategy. Deliberately, she avoids mentioning that Adonijah has invited the king's servants to his side. She withholds this detail so David will not suspect a widespread rebellion or feel powerless to resist. Instead, she reassures him, emphasizing that the nation has not actually chosen Adonijah. The people are simply waiting for the king's decision and will fully accept whoever he appoints [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד].

The situation requires immediate intervention. David must make a clear decision and publicly announce his successor before his death. If the king remains passive and fails to name an heir, Adonijah will automatically secure the throne. Such an outcome would place Bathsheba and her son, Solomon, in grave danger, ultimately branding them as sinners and enemies of the new crown [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].