Bible Society of South Africa

Seisoen na Pinkster: Proper 15 (20)

Eerste lesing en Psalm

The Death of David

10David died and was buried in David's City. 11He had been king of Israel for forty years, ruling seven years in Hebron and 33 years in Jerusalem. 12Solomon succeeded his father David as king, and his royal power was firmly established.

1 Kings 2:10-12GNBOpen in Bible reader

3Solomon loved the LORD and followed the instructions of his father David, but he also slaughtered animals and offered them as sacrifices on various altars.

4On 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. 5That night the LORD appeared to him in a dream and asked him, “What would you like me to give you?”

6Solomon answered, “You always showed great love for my father David, your servant, and he was good, loyal, and honest in his relations 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. 7O LORD God, you have let me succeed my father as king, even though I am very young and don't know how to rule. 8Here I am among the people you have chosen to be your own, a people who are so many that they cannot be counted. 9So 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?”

10The LORD was pleased that Solomon had asked for this, 11and 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, 12I 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. 13I will also give you what you have not asked for: all your life you will have wealth and honour, more than that of any other king. 14And if you obey me and keep my laws and commands, as your father David did, I will give you a long life.”

1 Kings 3:3-14GNBOpen in Bible reader

In Praise of the LORD

1Praise the LORD!

With all my heart I will thank the LORD

in the assembly of his people.

2How wonderful are the things the LORD does!

All who are delighted with them want to understand them.

3All he does is full of honour and majesty;

his righteousness is eternal.

4The LORD does not let us forget his wonderful actions;

he is kind and merciful.

5He provides food for those who honour him;

he never forgets his covenant.

6He has shown his power to his people

by giving them the lands of foreigners.

7In all he does he is faithful and just;

all his commands are dependable.

8They last for all time;

they were given in truth and righteousness.

9He set his people free

and made an eternal covenant with them.

Holy and mighty is he!

10The way to become wise is to honour the LORD;

he gives sound judgement to all who obey his commands.

He is to be praised for ever.

Psalms 111-111GNBOpen in Bible reader
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