2
Meanwhile the people sacrificed at the high places, because there was no house built for the name of the Lord until those days.
3
And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense at the high places.
4
Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place: Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.
5
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, "Ask! What shall I give you?"
6
And Solomon said: "You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
7
Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.
8
And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.
9
Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"
10
The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
11
Then God said to him: "Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice,
12
behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.