⁴ However the Lord God of Israel ^(A)chose me above all the house of my father to be king over Israel forever, for He has chosen ^(B)Judah to be the ruler. And of the house of Judah, ^(C)the house of my father, and ^(D)among the sons of my father, He was pleased with me to make me king over all Israel. ^5 (E)And of all my sons (for the Lord has given me many sons) ^(F)He has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. ⁶ Now He said to me, ‘It is ^(G)your son Solomon who shall build My house and My courts; for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father.

⁹ “As for you, my son Solomon, ^(A)know the God of your father, and serve Him ^(B)with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for ^(C)the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. ^(D)If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will ^(E)cast you off forever.

¹⁰ Consider now, ^(A)for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.”