But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah. (1 Kings 1:8)
High priest with Ahimelech (see on 2 Sam. 8:17) and after his death, with Abiathar (2 Sam. 20:25). Both Zadok and Abiathar remained true to David at the revolt of Absalom, being sent back with the ark to Jerusalem when David fled (2 Sam. 15:24-29, 35). The exact relationship between the two priests is not clear, but it may be that inasmuch as Zadok served at the tabernacle of witness at Gibeon (1 Chron. 16:39), Abiathar probably served at the sanctuary containing the ark at Zion (see 1 Chron. 16:1; cf. 2 Chron. 5:2).
Benaiah.
The chief of the Cherethites and Pelethites (2 Sam. 8:18; 20:23; 1 Chron. 18:17), David’s bodyguard (2 Sam. 23:20-23) who accompanied him on the occasion of Absalom’s revolt (2 Sam. 15:18). From their names arises the generally accepted opinion that they were recruited from Cretans and Philistines. These troops were not under Joab’s command, and Joab no doubt looked jealously upon Benaiah as a rival.
Nathan.
A prophet active in the days of David and very close to the king. Nathan could be counted upon by Solomon to be among his chief supporters. It was he who had given the infant prince the name of Jedidiah, “darling of Jehovah” (2 Sam. 12:25).