1 Then Solomon said, "Lord, you have said you would live in a dark cloud.
2 I've built a beautiful temple for you. You can live in it forever."
3 The whole community of Israel was standing there. The king turned around and gave them his blessing.
4 Then he said, "I praise the Lord. He is the God of Israel. With his mouth he made a promise to my father David. With his powerful hands he made it come true. He said,
5 'I brought my people out of Egypt. Ever since I did that, I have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel where a temple could be built for my Name. I have not chosen anyone to be the leader over my people Israel.
6 But now I have chosen Jerusalem. I will put my Name there. And I have chosen David to rule over my people Israel.'
7 "With all his heart my father David wanted to build a temple. He wanted to do it so the Name of the Lord could be there. The Lord is the God of Israel.