1. Then Solomon said, "Lord, you have said you would live in a dark cloud.
2. I've built a beautiful temple for you. You can live in it forever."
3. The whole community of Israel was standing there. The king turned around and gave them his blessing.
4. Then he said, "I praise the Lord. He is the God of Israel. With his mouth he made a promise to my father David. With his powerful hands he made it come true. He said,
5. 'I brought my people out of Egypt. Ever since I did that, I have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel where a temple could be built for my Name. I have not chosen anyone to be the leader over my people Israel.
6. But now I have chosen Jerusalem. I will put my Name there. And I have chosen David to rule over my people Israel.'
7. "With all his heart my father David wanted to build a temple. He wanted to do it so the Name of the Lord could be there. The Lord is the God of Israel.
8. "But the Lord spoke to my father David. He said, 'With all your heart you wanted to build a temple for my Name. It is good that you wanted to do that.