מלכים א, פרק א׳, פסוק ז׳

To secure his path to the throne, Adonijah understands that he must enlist the most powerful figures in the kingdom. He directs his persuasive efforts [מצודת דוד, רד״ק] toward the heads of the military and religious establishments, aiming to create a formidable front that will draw the support of the entire nation. He chooses Joab, the commander of the army who can sway the soldiers and the masses, and Abiathar the High Priest, through whom he hopes to gain spiritual and religious backing [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. Adonijah reasons that just as these two men helped David establish his kingdom and succeed in war, their support will guarantee his own success [רלב״ג, אברבנאל]. Furthermore, Adonijah operates under the belief that the choice of a king rests with the people rather than the reigning monarch. He identifies Joab and Abiathar as partners in this ideology, given their past actions against the royal decisions of Saul [אהבת יהונתן].

The primary approach among commentators is that Joab and Abiathar’s willingness to join this plot stems from personal interest and a desperate need to secure their own futures, as both know their standing with David has severely deteriorated. Joab is well aware that David harbors a deep grudge against him for killing Abner, Amasa, and Absalom against the king's wishes. Although David fears Joab and avoids harming him during his lifetime, Joab understands that David will likely order his successor to execute him. By aligning with Adonijah, Joab hopes to win the future king's favor, save his own life, and retain his position as military commander [רש״י, רד״ק, רלב״ג, אברבנאל, צאינה וראינה]. Similarly, Abiathar’s position is highly unstable. David has effectively sidelined him from the High Priesthood in favor of Zadok, after Abiathar failed to receive an answer from the Urim and Thummim during the flight from Absalom. As a descendant of Eli, Abiathar is also aware of the ancient prophecy foretelling the removal of Eli’s house from the priesthood. Realizing he will not be allowed to serve under Solomon, Abiathar hopes that crowning Adonijah will restore his former greatness and help him escape this harsh decree [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רלב״ג, אברבנאל].

Together, Joab and Abiathar throw their support behind Adonijah, actively swaying the hearts of the people in his favor [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, another perspective suggests a reversed power dynamic behind the scenes. This view proposes that Joab and Abiathar are actually the primary initiators of the rebellion. They carefully craft an illusion that Adonijah is the leader while they merely assist, yet in reality, they are the ones steering the entire political movement [חומת אנך].

Ultimately, the strategic assistance of Joab and Abiathar proves fatal to Adonijah's cause. Had they waited until after David's death, their combined influence might have successfully secured the throne for him. Instead, by launching their plot while David is still alive, the king learns of the conspiracy. This prompts David to act swiftly and crown Solomon immediately, thereby sealing the doom of the rebellion [אהבת יהונתן].