Over Israel and over Judah. — The phrase clearly refers to the distinction, already tending to become a division, between Israel and Judah in relation to the monarchy. In the case of David himself, it may be observed that the record of his accession to royalty over Israel contains the notice of “a league” made by him with the elders of Israel (2 Samuel 5:3), to which there is nothing to correspond in the account of his becoming king over Judah (2 Samuel 2:4). This perhaps indicates from the beginning a less absolute rule over the other tribes. Certainly the history of the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:10; 2 Samuel 15:13; 2 Samuel 18:6-7), the disputes about the restoration of David (2 Samuel 19:41-43), and the attempt of Sheba to take advantage of them (2 Samuel 20:1-2), show a looser allegiance of Israel than of Judah to the house of David.
Related Commentaries of 1 Kings 1:35
1 Kings 1:35
35 Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.