AnagignoskomenaHistory

Susanna

1Chapters

64Verses

0Notes

0Reflections

← Prayer of Azariah Bel and the Dragon →

Book Introduction

Susanna is a compact courtroom drama added to Daniel in the Greek versions: two respected elders, inflamed by lust, corner a virtuous wife in her garden and, when she refuses them, accuse her of adultery. Condemned on their false testimony, Susanna cries out to God, who stirs up the young Daniel; his separate cross-examination of the elders exposes their lie, and the innocent woman is vindicated while her accusers suffer the fate they intended for her. Catholics and Orthodox receive Susanna as part of canonical Daniel; Protestants count it among the Apocrypha. It remains a classic story of conscience and justice.

Author

Unknown; a Greek addition to Daniel by an anonymous Jewish author

Date

2nd–1st century BC

Audience

Jewish communities concerned with justice, false witness, and fidelity

Purpose

To show that God vindicates the innocent who fear him more than death, and exposes corrupt judges through wise examination.

Key Themes

Innocence under false accusationFidelity before GodCorruption of the powerfulWisdom exposing liesDivine vindication

Book Outline

1–14Susanna's household; the elders' hidden lust

15–27The garden trap and the false accusation

28–44The trial: Susanna condemned, her cry heard by God

45–59Daniel's separate cross-examination exposes the elders

60–64Susanna vindicated; the false witnesses judged

Key Verses

Susanna 1:22–23Better to fall into your hands than to sin in the sight of the Lord.Susanna 1:42–43Susanna's cry to the eternal God who knows all secrets.Susanna 1:45God stirs up the holy spirit of a young lad named Daniel.Susanna 1:60The whole assembly blesses God, who saves those who hope in him.

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