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Then the two elders stood up before the people and laid their hands on her head.
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Through her tears she looked up toward Heaven, for her heart trusted in the Lord.
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The elders said, "While we were walking in the garden alone, this woman came in with two maids, shut the garden doors, and dismissed the maids.
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Then a young man, who was hiding there, came to her and lay with her.
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We were in a corner of the garden, and when we saw this wickedness we ran to them.
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Although we saw them embracing, we could not hold the man, because he was stronger than we, and he opened the doors and got away.
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We did, however, seize this woman and asked who the young man was,
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but she would not tell us. These things we testify." Because they were elders of the people and judges, the assembly believed them and condemned her to death.
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Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said, "O eternal God, you know what is secret and are aware of all things before they come to be;
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you know that these men have given false evidence against me. And now I am to die, though I have done none of the wicked things that they have charged against me!"
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The Lord heard her cry.