As a prince gathers supporters in an attempt to seize the throne, a powerful circle of spiritual leaders, military commanders, and close advisors stands apart, maintaining their steadfast loyalty to the aging king. These loyalists understood that crowning another man while David was still alive, without his explicit command, amounted to outright rebellion [אברבנאל]. Furthermore, they were already well aware of David's sworn intention to pass the royal scepter to Solomon [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. At this early stage, their stance was not necessarily active opposition to the uprising, but rather a deliberate refusal to offer support as long as David had not voiced his decision [ביאור שטיינזלץ].
Among these loyalists was Zadok, a high priest personally chosen by David [אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alongside him was Benaiah son of Jehoiada. Although Benaiah was technically subordinate to Joab—the supreme army commander who had joined the conspiracy—he retained his independence. This autonomy stemmed from his position as the commander of the Cherethites and Pelethites, a separate military unit that kept him in close proximity to the king [אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Nathan the prophet also refused to align with the rebellion, driven by the fact that he had personally delivered the prophecy to David declaring that Solomon was destined to inherit the throne [רש״י, אברבנאל].
Other notable figures who kept their distance were Shimei and Rei. Commentators identify Shimei as Shimei son of Gera. Having previously rebelled against David during the king's flight from Absalom, he was afraid of repeating his past mistake by joining yet another uprising [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. Rei is identified as Hushai the Archite, famous for holding the official title of the king's friend [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל].
Finally, the loyalist camp included David's mighty men. There are differing views regarding their exact identity. One perspective maintains that these were the three elite warriors who constantly accompanied David: Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah [מצודת דוד]. Conversely, another approach suggests that the mighty men were the soldiers of the Cherethite and Pelethite guard, who answered directly to David's personal command [אברבנאל].