The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Book 14: 2 Paralipomenon

In the wake of King David’s legacy, the new ruler steps onto the throne with a nation eager for stability. Guided by a divine presence, he gathers Israel’s leaders and leads the people to the sacred high place at Gibeon, where a solemn sacrifice draws the attention of the heavens. In that quiet night, the Almighty offers a single request, and the king, grounded in humility, asks for insight and discernment to govern a people as countless as the dust of the earth. The response affirms his choice, promising not only the wisdom he seeks but also unprecedented wealth and honor.

Emboldened by this divine endorsement, the sovereign turns his thoughts toward a grand project: a house worthy of the Lord’s name. He mobilizes thousands of workers, commissions massive stone and timber efforts, and reaches out across the sea to the king of Tyre, seeking skilled artisans and prized cedar from the forests of Lebanon. This early phase sets the stage for a monumental undertaking that will shape the spiritual heart of the nation.