The similarity of the words of Nathan here and those of Bathsheba in verse 19 are proof that their plan outlined in verse 14 is actually being fulfilled. Nathan is confirming and reinforcing the words of Bathsheba.
He has gone down this day: The verb gone down is not used in the earlier accounts of Adonijah’s activity. But clearly he had gone from Jerusalem to the place near Rogel Spring that was mentioned in verse 9. Parole de Vie makes the location explicit, saying “Adonijah has gone down today to the ‘Stone-that-Glides’ ” (see the comments on the place name in verse 9). While that place was doubtless lower in elevation than Jerusalem, it may not be natural in the receptor language to indicate downward movement. It will be noted that in English, several modern versions say simply “has gone” (Good News Translation) or omit this verb altogether (Contemporary English Version, New Century Version).
Sacrificed: See the comments at verses 9 and 19.
Oxen, fatlings, and sheep: See the comments on these same nouns in verse 19.
Joab the commander of the army: Both Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation follow the Septuagint (also New Revised Standard Version). The Masoretic Text does not have the name Joab here and says instead, “the commanders of the army” (so New International Version, Revised English Bible, New American Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh; similarly New Jerusalem Bible, Contemporary English Version, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch). Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives an {A} rating to the Masoretic Text, and recommends that translators follow the Masoretic Text here. (Since verse 19 says that “Joab the commander of the army” was invited, Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament argues that the reading of the Septuagint was created only when a scribe included Joab here in verse 25 in order to agree with the statement in verse 19.)
Behold: The insertion of the focusing particle here serves to highlight the fact that Nathan is upset about what he is describing and to focus on what is happening right now.
Long live King Adonijah: This fixed formula expresses the speakers’ allegiance to the king. But given the fact that this is an embedded quotation, if a fixed formula is not well known already in the receptor language, it may be better translated as indirect discourse; for example, “proclaiming their loyalty to Adonijah as king.”
Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .