JW Comments

    In Song of Solomon 5:2-3 I learn a crucial lesson about **diligence and prioritization**. The Shulammite is sleeping, but her heart is awake. She hears her beloved, but she makes **excuses** ("I have taken off my robe," "I have washed my feet") before opening the door, and because of that delay, she loses him. This warns me about the danger of **spiritual laziness**. If I am slow to respond to Jehovah's guidance or opportunities for service, I can **miss valuable blessings** or feel that "He has gone away." I must be ready to act immediately.  

    In Song of Solomon 5:4-6 the young woman's reaction is important. She finally gets up, with her hands dripping myrrh, showing she was willing to give him her best, but **it was already too late**. This motivates me to **value my relationship with Jehovah** and not take it for granted. It teaches me that I must show my love with **deeds and not just with good intentions**, and that opportunities to honor God or serve my brothers can vanish if I do not act promptly.  

    In Song of Solomon 5:7 I learn to **expect the consequences of a lack of vigilance**. The city guards struck her and wounded her. This reminds me that, if I become **spiritually slow** and neglect the protection offered by the congregation or biblical principles, I can suffer emotional or spiritual harm. It is a warning to **stay alert** and seek refuge in the "city" (Jehovah's organization).  

    In Song of Solomon 5:10 I learn the importance of **sincere and exclusive praise**. Despite being mistreated for searching for him, the Shulammite describes her beloved as "**dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand**." She does not doubt his worth. This benefits me by teaching me to maintain my **unconditional appreciation and loyalty toward Jehovah**, even when I am under trial or suffering. He is peerless and deserves my total devotion.  

    In Song of Solomon 5:16 the summary she makes is beautiful: "**Everything about him is desirable. This is my beloved, this is my dear one**." This helps me to **focus on the perfection of Jehovah's qualities** (described with beautiful figures, such as "gold," "sapphires," and "sweetness"). By meditating on His attributes, my love for Him deepens and I feel impelled to serve Him with greater zeal.  

    In Song of Solomon 5:2-6 it teaches me that I can help others who are **struggling with discouragement or apathy**. I can show them that **excuses** (like the Shulammite's) can be subtle traps of Satan that lead us to neglect our relationship with Jehovah. I will encourage them to examine their "**awakened heart**" and to **act without delay** when they feel the "call" of prayer, personal study, or preaching, so that they do not lose the joy that God's presence brings.