1 ¶ Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and made him very great.

2 Then Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the leaders of the clans.

3 And Solomon, with the entire congregation, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness, was there.

4 But David had brought the ark of God up from Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem.

5 Moreover he put the brass altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought the Lord.

6 And Solomon went up there to the brass altar which was before the LORD, at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

7 During that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, Ask what I shall give you.

8 And Solomon said to God, You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me to reign in his place.

9 Now, O LORD God, let your promise to David my father be established: for you have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead these people: for who can serve as judge for this great people of yours?

11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, or honor, or the life of your enemies, nor have asked for long life; but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you king:

12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted to you; and I will give you riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings before you have had, and none after you will equal it.

13 ¶ Then Solomon returned from the high place, the tabernacle of the congregation at Gibeon, to Jerusalem, and reigned over Israel.

14 And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had one thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, as well as with the king at Jerusalem.

15 And the king made silver and gold as common as stones in Jerusalem, and he made cedar as abundant as the sycamores in the valley.

16 And Solomon had horses brought from Egypt, and Cilicia: the king’s traders got them from Cilicia for a price.

17 And they would import a chariot from Egypt and export it for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for one hundred and fifty: and so they secured horses for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, through their agents.