⁹ “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion^(A) and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart^(B) and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him,^(C) he will be found by you; but if you forsake^(D) him, he will reject^(E) you forever.

¹⁶ Those from every tribe of Israel^(A) who set their hearts on seeking the Lord, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.

⁴ He commanded Judah to seek the Lord,^(A) the God of their ancestors, and to obey his laws and commands.

¹² They entered into a covenant^(A) to seek the Lord,^(B) the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul.