2. At that time, there was no temple for worshipping the Lord, and everyone offered sacrifices at the local shrines.
3. Solomon loved the Lord and followed his father David's instructions, but Solomon also offered sacrifices and burnt incense at the shrines.
4. The most important shrine was in Gibeon, and Solomon had offered more than a thousand sacrifices on that altar.
5. One night while Solomon was in Gibeon, the Lord God appeared to him in a dream and said, “Solomon, ask for anything you want, and I will give it to you.”
6. Solomon answered:My father David, your servant, was honest and did what you commanded. You were always loyal to him, and you gave him a son who is now king.
7. Lord God, I'm your servant, and you've made me king in my father's place. But I'm very young and know so little about being a leader.
8. And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count.
9. Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don't, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.
10-11. God said:Solomon, I'm pleased that you asked for this. You could have asked to live a long time or to be rich. Or you could have asked for your enemies to be destroyed. Instead, you asked for wisdom to make right decisions.
12. So I'll make you wiser than anyone who has ever lived or ever will live.
13. I'll also give you what you didn't ask for. You'll be rich and respected as long as you live, and you'll be greater than any other king.
14. If you obey me and follow my commands, as your father David did, I'll let you live a long time.