1 Kings 1:35

Appointed him. David evidently claimed the right to name his successor. This was in line with recognized Eastern custom. Alyattes named Croesus; Cyrus appointed Cambyses; and Darius nominated Xerxes. Herodotus declares it to be a law of the Persians for a king always to nominate a successor before departing on an expedition. A still more absolute right of naming a successor was exercised by certain of the emperors of Rome and occasionally by the caliphs. See on chs. 1:39 and 2:24.

Israel and over Judah. An intended distinction between Israel and Judah is here noticeable. Evidences of distinction go back to the time when the land was first divided among the tribes (Joshua 11:21; 18:5). David reigned first over Judah at Hebron (2 Sam. 2:4), and then was approached by the elders of Israel in regard to becoming their king (2 Sam. 5:1-3). At the time of Absalom’s rebellion the division between Israel and Judah had become distinctly more marked (2 Sam. 15:10, 13; 18:6, 7; 19:41-43; 20:1, 2).