Passage Viewer

The king used to sacrifice at Gibeon, the great high place; on the altar there, he had offered a thousand burnt offerings.

It was in Gibeon, during the night, that the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said: “Ask what you want me to give you.”

Solomon answered: “You have shown your servant David, my father, a great and steadfast love because he served you faithfully and was righteous and sincere towards you. You have given him proof of your steadfast love in making a son of his sit on his throne this day.

And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David, my father, although I am a young boy who does not know how to undertake anything.

Meantime, your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen—a people so great that they can neither be numbered nor counted.

Give me an understanding mind in governing your people so that I may discern between good and evil. For who can govern this multitude of yours?”

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had made this request.

And he told him: “Because you have requested this rather than long life or wealth or even vengeance on your enemies; indeed, because you have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,

I shall grant you your request. I now give you a wise and discerning mind like no one has had before you, nor anyone after you shall ever have.

I will also give you what you have not asked for, both wealth and fame; and no king shall be your equal during your lifetime.