A reading from the first book of Kings.

When the time of David's death drew near, he gave these instructions to his son, Solomon.

I am going the way of all flesh.

Take courage and be a man.

Keep the mandate of the Lord, your God,

following his ways and observing his statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees as they are

written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in whatever you do, wherever you turn,

and the Lord may fulfill the promise he made on behalf when he said,

if your sons so conduct themselves, that they remain faithful to me with their whole heart,

with their whole soul, you shall always have someone on your line of the throne of Israel.

David rested with his ancestors and was

buried in the city of David. The length of David's reign over Israel was 40 years. He

reigned seven years in Hebron and 33 years in Jerusalem. Solomon was seated on the

throne of his father David with his sovereignty firmly established.

The word of the Lord.

Thank you to God.

Lord, you are exalted over all.

Lord, you are exalted over all.

Blessed may you be, O Lord, God of Israel, our Father, from eternity to eternity.

Your Lord, Your Lord, our grandeur and power, Majesty, splendor and glory.

Lord, you are exalted over all.

Yours, O Lord, is the sovereignty.

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