1
There dwelt a man in Babylon, called Joakim.
2
And he took a wife whose name was Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah, a very fair woman and one who feared the Lord.
3
Her parents also were righteous, and taught their daughter according to the Law of Moses.
4
Now Joakim was a great rich man and had a fair garden joining unto his house; and to him resorted the Jews, because he was more honorable than all others.
5
The same year were appointed two of the elders of the people to be judges. Of such had the Lord spoken: "Wickedness came from Babylon from elders; judges who seemed to govern the people."
6
These came much to Joakim's house, and all who had any suits at law came unto them.
7
Now when the people departed away at noon, Susanna went into her husband's garden to walk.
8
And the two elders saw her going in every day and walking, so that their lust was inflamed toward her.
9
And they perverted their own mind and turned away their eyes, that they might not look unto heaven nor remember just judgments.