1And Solomon, son of David, was firmly established in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and exalted him exceedingly. 2Then Solomon spoke to all Israel - to the commanders of thousands and captains of hundreds, the judges, every governor in all Israel, and the heads of the fathers' houses - 3Solomon and the entire assembly went to the high place that was at Gibeon; because God’s tent of meeting, which Moses, the servant of the LORD, had made in the wilderness, was there. 4David had brought the ark of God up from Kiriath-jearim to the place that David had prepared for it at Jerusalem, 5But the bronze altar that Bezalel (Exod.31:2), son of Uri (1 Chron.2:20), son of Hur, had made, was still there at Gibeon in front of the tabernacle of the LORD; and Solomon and the congregation gathered before it. 6And Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the LORD, in the tent of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

7That night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want, and I shall give it to you.” 8And Solomon answered God, “You have shown great mercy to David, my father, and have now made me king in his stead. 9Now, LORD God, let Your promise to David, my father, be confirmed; for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10Give me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people; for who can govern this great people of Yours?” 11And God said to Solomon, “Because this was your heart’s desire, and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor the life of your enemies, nor even asked for long life; but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may govern My people, over whom I have made you king, 12Wisdom and knowledge is granted to you; and I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no kings that have been before you have ever had, nor shall any after you have the like.” 13Then Solomon returned from the tent of meeting at Gibeon to Jerusalem, where he reigned over Israel.

14And Solomon accumulated chariots and horsemen; he had a thousand, four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he kept in the chariot cities, as well as with him at Jerusalem. 15And the king made silver and gold as plenteous and common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees like sycamore-fig trees in the Shephelah (foothills) for abundance. 16And Solomon had horses imported from Egypt and Cilicia, and linen yarn; the king's merchants acquired them at the current price. 17They imported a chariot out of Egypt for six hundred shekels (about 15 pounds) of silver, and a horse for a hundred fifty (about 4 pounds); and they exported horses to all the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of Syria (Aram).