1And Solomon, the son of David, was firmly established in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.
2Then Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands and captains of hundreds, to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the heads of the fathers' houses.
3So Solomon, and all the congregation, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for that was where the tabernacle of the congregation of God was, which Moses, the servant of the LORD, had made in the wilderness.
4But David had brought the ark of God up from Kiriath-jearim to the tent which David had prepared and pitched for it at Jerusalem.
5The bronze altar that Bezalel (Exod.31:2), son of Uri (1 Chron.2:20), son of Hur, had made, was there at Gibeon in front of the tabernacle of the LORD; and Solomon and the congregation gathered before it.
6And Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the LORD, which was in the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.
7That night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you.”
8And Solomon answered God, “You have shown great mercy to David, my father, and have now made me king in his stead.
9Now, LORD God, let Your promise to David, my father, be confirmed; for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.
10Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people; for who can govern this, Your great people?”
11And God said to Solomon, “Because this was in your heart’s desire, and you have not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of your enemies, nor yet asked for long life; but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may govern My people, over whom I have made you king,
12Wisdom and knowledge is granted to you; and I will also give you riches, wealth, and honor, such as no kings that have been before you have had, nor shall any after you shall have the like.”
13Then Solomon went from before the tabernacle of the congregation at the high place at Gibeon to Jerusalem, where he reigned over Israel.
14And Solomon accumulated chariots and horsemen; he had a thousand, four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he kept in the chariot cities, as well as with him at Jerusalem.
15And the king made silver and gold as plenteous and common at Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees like sycamore-fig trees in the Shephelah (foothills) for abundance.
16And Solomon had horses imported from Egypt and Cilicia, and linen yarn; the king's merchants acquired them at the current price.
17They imported a chariot out of Egypt for six hundred shekels (about 15 pounds) of silver, and a horse for a hundred fifty (about 4 pounds); and they exported horses to all the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of Syria (Aram). Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
    |