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"From the time I brought my people out of Egypt until now, I did not choose any city in the land of Israel as the place to build a temple where I would be worshiped, and I did not choose anyone to lead my people Israel.
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But now I have chosen Jerusalem as the place where I will be worshiped, and you, David, to rule my people.' "
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And Solomon continued, "My father David planned to build a temple for the worship of the Lord God of Israel,
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but the Lord said to him, "You were right in wanting to build a temple for me,
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but you will never build it. It is your son, your own son, who will build my temple.'
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"Now the Lord has kept his promise: I have succeeded my father as king of Israel, and I have built a temple for the worship of the Lord God of Israel.
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I have placed in the Temple the Covenant Box, which contains the stone tablets of the covenant which the Lord made with the people of Israel."
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Then in the presence of the people Solomon went and stood in front of the altar and raised his arms in prayer
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(Solomon had made a bronze platform and put it in the middle of the courtyard. It was eight feet square and five feet high. He mounted this platform, knelt down where everyone could see him, and raised his hands toward heaven.)
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He prayed, "Lord God of Israel, in all heaven and earth there is no god like you. You keep your covenant with your people and show them your love when they live in wholehearted obedience to you.
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You have kept the promise you made to my father David; today every word has been fulfilled.