The Lord Gives Solomon Wisdom

3:1 Solomon made an alliance by marriage with Pharaoh, king of Egypt; he married Pharaoh’s daughter. He brought her to the City of David1 until he could finish building his residence and the temple of the Lord and the wall around Jerusalem.2 3:2 Now the people were offering sacrifices at the high places,3 because in those days a temple had not yet been built to honor the Lord.4 3:3 Solomon demonstrated his loyalty to the Lord by following5 the practices6 of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.

3:4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for it had the most prominent of the high places.7 Solomon would offer up8 a thousand burnt sacrifices on the altar there. 3:5 One night in Gibeon the Lord appeared9 to Solomon in a dream. God said, “Tell10 me what I should give you.” 3:6 Solomon replied, “You demonstrated11 great loyalty to your servant, my father David, as he served12 you faithfully, properly, and sincerely.13 You have maintained this great loyalty to this day by allowing his son to sit on his throne.14 3:7 Now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in my father David’s place, even though I am only a young man and am inexperienced.15 3:8 Your servant stands16 among your chosen people;17 they are a great nation that is too numerous to count or number. 3:9 So give your servant a discerning mind18 so he can make judicial decisions for19 your people and distinguish right from wrong.20 Otherwise21 no one is able22 to make judicial decisions for23 this great nation of yours.”24 3:10 The Lord25 was pleased that Solomon made this request.26 3:11 God said to him, “Because you asked for the ability to make wise judicial decisions, and not for long life, or riches, or vengeance on your enemies,27 3:12 I28 grant your request,29 and give30 you a wise and discerning mind31 superior to that of anyone who has preceded or will succeed you.32 3:13 Furthermore, I am giving33 you what you did not request—riches and honor so that you will be the greatest king of your generation.34 3:14 If you follow my instructions35 by obeying36 my rules and regulations, just as your father David did,37 then I will grant you long life.”38 3:15 Solomon then woke up and realized it was a dream.39 He went to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord’s covenant, offered up burnt sacrifices, presented peace offerings,40 and held a feast for all his servants.