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A temple had not yet been built for the Lord, and so the people were still offering sacrifices at many different altars.
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Solomon loved the Lord and followed the instructions of his father David, but he also slaughtered animals and offered them as sacrifices on various altars.
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On one occasion he went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices because that was where the most famous altar was. He had offered hundreds of burnt offerings there in the past.
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That night the Lord appeared to him in a dream and asked him, "What would you like me to give you?"
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Solomon answered, "You always showed great love for my father David, your servant, and he was good, loyal, and honest in his relation with you. And you have continued to show him your great and constant love by giving him a son who today rules in his place.
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O Lord God, you have let me succeed my father as king, even though I am very young and don't know how to rule.
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Here I am among the people you have chosen to be your own, a people who are so many that they cannot be counted.
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So give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?"
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The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this,
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and so he said to him, "Because you have asked for the wisdom to rule justly, instead of long life for yourself or riches or the death of your enemies,
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I will do what you have asked. I will give you more wisdom and understanding than anyone has ever had before or will ever have again.