Book of Song of Solomon — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 8 · Written by: Solomon · Approximate date: c. 965 BC · Theme: Love & Devotion
Summary of the Book of Song of Solomon
The Song of Solomon celebrates the beauty of loyal love between a husband and wife, affirming that romantic love and commitment within marriage are gifts from Jehovah to be cherished and protected.
Why the Book of Song of Solomon Matters Today
The Song of Solomon celebrates loyal love between a husband and wife, treating romantic devotion and faithfulness as gifts from Jehovah. In a world that has degraded the meaning of love and marriage, the Song reminds Witnesses that exclusive, committed romantic love within marriage reflects Jehovah's own loyal love (hesed). The Shulammite's resistance to Solomon's overtures despite his wealth and royal status is a model of fidelity for any married Witness facing similar pressures today. For couples in field service or facing trials together, the book affirms that love rooted in Jehovah is unbreakable.
Key Verses in Song of Solomon
- Song 2:4
- Song 8:6–7
Notable Passages in Song of Solomon
Song of Solomon 2:4
The declaration 'his intention toward me is love' captures the security and joy that comes from a relationship built on genuine, protective loyal love.
Song of Solomon 8:6–7
The description of love as 'strong as death' and 'its flames are flames of fire, the flame of Jah' celebrates Jehovah-given love as the most powerful of human bonds.
Song of Solomon 1:3
The Shulammite's praise of her beloved's name being 'like a fragrant oil poured out' illustrates how a person's reputation and character draw others to them.
Study Questions for Song of Solomon
As you read the book of Song of Solomon, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- What does the Song of Solomon teach about the importance Jehovah places on love, loyalty, and commitment within marriage?
- How does the mutual admiration and open communication described in the Song model qualities that strengthen any close relationship?
- What does 'love is as strong as death' (8:6) teach about the nature of true loyalty and commitment in a relationship?
- How does the watchfulness and faithfulness of the Shulammite for her shepherd illustrate the quality of devotion Jehovah values?
- What principles from the Song of Solomon help Jehovah's Witnesses in maintaining healthy, honorable relationships?
Frequently Asked Questions About Song of Solomon
- Who wrote the Song of Solomon?
- Solomon wrote the Song of Solomon — also called the Song of Songs — around 1020 BCE early in his reign, before his many foreign marriages drew his heart from Jehovah.
- When was the Song of Solomon written?
- The Song was written approximately 1020 BCE in Israel during Solomon's early reign, celebrating the loyal love of a shepherd girl and her beloved.
- What is the main theme of the Song of Solomon?
- The Song celebrates loyal love (hesed) between a husband and wife, affirming romantic devotion and exclusive commitment within marriage as gifts from Jehovah.
How to Study Song of Solomon with JW Study
Track your progress through all 8 chapters of Song of Solomon in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include Song of Solomon
The book of Song of Solomon is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Read all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
- Wisdom Literature in 90 Days — Read Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, the poetry and wisdom of the Bible. (90 days, 243 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
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