Solomon Requests Wisdom

1 Now aSolomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and bthe Lord his God was with him and cexalted him exceedingly.

2 And Solomon spoke to all Israel, to dthe captains of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to every leader in all Israel, the heads of the fathers’ houses. 3 Then Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to 1the high place that was at eGibeon; for the tabernacle of meeting with God was there, which Moses the servant of the Lord had fmade in the wilderness. 4 gBut David had brought up the ark of God from Kirjath Jearim to the place David had prepared for it, for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem. 5 Now hthe bronze altar that iBezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, 2he put before the tabernacle of the Lord; Solomon and the assembly sought Him there. 6 And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of meeting, and joffered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

7 kOn that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?”

8 And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great lmercy to David my father, and have made me mking in his place. 9 Now, O Lord God, let Your promise to David my father be established, nfor You have made me king over a people like the odust of the earth in multitude. 10 pNow give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may qgo out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”

11 rThen God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as snone of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.”