1. Solomon was the son of David. Solomon made his position secure over his kingdom. The Lord his God was with him. He made Solomon very great.
2. Solomon spoke to the whole community of Israel. He spoke to the commanders of thousands of men and commanders of hundreds. He spoke to the judges and all of the leaders in Israel. He spoke to the leaders of Israel's families.
3. Solomon and the whole community went to the high place at Gibeon. That's because God's Tent of Meeting was there. The Lord's servant Moses had made the tent in the desert.
4. David had brought the ark of God up from Kiriath Jearim. He had brought it to the place he had prepared for it. He had set up a tent for it in Jerusalem.
5. But the bronze altar that Bezalel had made was in Gibeon. Bezalel was the son of Uri. Uri was the son of Hur. The altar was in front of the Lord's holy tent. So Solomon and the whole community asked the Lord for advice there.
6. Solomon went up to the bronze altar in front of the Lord at the Tent of Meeting. Solomon sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings on the altar.
7. That night God appeared to Solomon. He said to him, "Ask for anything you want me to give you."
8. Solomon answered God, "You were very kind to my father David. Now you have made me king in his place.
9. Lord God, let the promise you gave to my father David come true. You have made me king. My people are like the dust of the earth. They can't be counted.
10. Give me wisdom and knowledge. Then I'll be able to lead these people. Without your help, who would be able to rule this great nation of yours?"