2
And he took a wife named Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah, a very beautiful woman and one who feared the Lord.
3
Her parents were righteous, and had taught their daughter according to the law of Moses.
4
Joakim was very rich, and had a spacious garden adjoining his house; and the Jews used to come to him because he was the most honored of them all.
5
In that year two elders from the people were appointed as judges. Concerning them the Lord had said: "Iniquity came forth from Babylon, from elders who were judges, who were supposed to govern the people."
6
These men were frequently at Joakim's house, and all who had suits at law came to them.
7
When the people departed at noon, Susanna would go into her husband's garden to walk.
8
The two elders used to see her every day, going in and walking about, and they began to desire her.
9
And they perverted their minds and turned away their eyes from looking to Heaven or remembering righteous judgments.
10
Both were overwhelmed with passion for her, but they did not tell each other of their distress,