Solomon’s Prayer

Then Solomon said, “(A)You have shown great faithfulness to Your servant David my father, (B)according as he walked before You in [a]truth, righteousness, and uprightness of heart toward You; and (C)You have [b]reserved for him this great faithfulness, that You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, Lord my God, (D)You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet (E)I am like a little boy; (F)I do not know how to [c]go out or come in. And (G)Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, (H)a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. So (I)give Your servant [d]an understanding heart to judge Your people, (J)to discern between good and evil. For who is capable of judging this [e]great people of Yours?”

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Kings 3:6 Or faithfulness
  2. 1 Kings 3:6 Lit kept
  3. 1 Kings 3:7 I.e., conduct daily business
  4. 1 Kings 3:9 Or a heart that listens
  5. 1 Kings 3:9 Lit heavy

Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful(A) to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son(B) to sit on his throne this very day.

“Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child(C) and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen,(D) a great people, too numerous to count or number.(E) So give your servant a discerning(F) heart to govern your people and to distinguish(G) between right and wrong. For who is able(H) to govern this great people of yours?”

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