Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah had not been called by Adonijah, but they now were called by the king. They were of no service to Adonijah in his conspiracy against the throne, but they were to be the key figures in the support of the throne. David, though “old and stricken in years,” is fired again by the characteristic energy of his youth. He thinks clearly and acts swiftly. Terse directions are given as to the part each should play. The sudden flash of energy and resoluteness of action is in striking contrast to the timidity and despondency with which David, when much younger, had received the news of Absalom’s rebellion (2 Sam. 15:14). At that time David knew that he had been in error, and that he was receiving a chastisement from God. Now all that was gone, and he knew that God was on his side.