The Lord Gives Solomon Wisdom

1:1 Solomon son of David solidified his royal authority,1 for2 the Lord his God was with him and magnified him greatly.

1:2 Solomon addressed all Israel, including those who commanded units of a thousand and a hundred, the judges, and all the leaders of all Israel who were heads of families. 1:3 Solomon and the entire assembly went to the worship center3 in Gibeon, for the tent where they met God4 was located there, which Moses the Lord’s servant had made in the wilderness. 1:4 (Now David had brought up the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim to the place he had prepared for it, for he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem.5 1:5 But the bronze altar made by Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, was in front of the Lord’s tabernacle.6 Solomon and the entire assembly prayed to him7 there.) 1:6 Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the Lord which was at the meeting tent, and he offered up a thousand burnt sacrifices.

1:7 That night God appeared8 to Solomon and said to him, “Tell me9 what I should give you.” 1:8 Solomon replied to God, “You demonstrated10 great loyalty to my father David and have made me king in his place. 1:9 Now, Lord God, may your promise11 to my father David be realized,12 for you have made me king over a great nation as numerous as the dust of the earth. 1:10 Now give me wisdom and discernment so13 I can effectively lead this nation.14 Otherwise15 no one is able16 to make judicial decisions for17 this great nation of yours.”18

1:11 God said to Solomon, “Because you desire this,19 and did not ask for riches, wealth, and honor, or for vengeance on your enemies,20 and because you did not ask for long life,21 but requested wisdom and discernment so you can make judicial decisions for my people over whom I have made you king, 1:12 you are granted wisdom and discernment.22 Furthermore I am giving you riches, wealth, and honor surpassing that of any king before or after you.”23

1:13 Solomon left the meeting tent at the worship center in Gibeon and went to Jerusalem, where he reigned over Israel.24