Commentators explain that David's specific mention of ruling "over Israel and over Judah" was not a prophecy of the future split. Rather, it addressed a real political tension that already existed. Scholars note that the northern tribes of Israel had a history of looser allegiance to David's house compared to his own tribe of Judah. This declaration was a strategic move to assert Solomon's authority over all the people, including those Adonijah was trying to win over.