13 A[fn] man lived in Bavel (Babylon), and his name was Yehoyakim. 2 He took a wife, whose name was Shoshanah (Susanna), the daughter of Hilkiyah, a very fair woman, and one who feared the master. 3 Her parents were also righteous, and taught their daughter according to the law of Mosheh (Moses). 4 Now Yehoyakim was a great rich man, and had a beautiful garden next to his house. The Yehudim (Jews) used to come to him, because he was more honourable than all others. 5 The same year, two of the elders of the people were appointed to be judges, such as the master spoke of, that wickedness came from Bavel from elders who were judges, who were supposed to govern the people. 6 These were often at Yehoyakim’s house. All that had any lawsuits came to them.

7 When the people departed away at noon, Shoshanah went into her husband’s garden to walk. 8 The two elders saw her going in every day and walking; and they were inflamed with lust for her. 9 They perverted their own mind and turned away their eyes, that they might not look to heaven, nor remember just judgements. 10 And although they both were wounded with lust for her, yet dared not show the other his grief. 11 Because they were ashamed to declare their lust, what they desired to do with her. 12 Yet they watched eagerly from day to day to see her. 13 The one said to the other, “Let’s go home, now; for it is dinner time.” 14 So when they had gone out, they parted company, and turning back again, they came to the same place. After they had asked one another the cause, they acknowledged their lust. Then they appointed a time both together, when they might find her alone.