Given Susanna’s refusal to sin, the image forms part of a window themed around the Sixth Commandment, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” The window was created by Gilbert E. This stained glass scene of the incident in the garden is found within Sacred Heart and St Teresa’s, in Coleshill. Everyone praised God that justice had been done – and the prophet Daniel became even more highly-regarded. Susanna was immediately acquitted and instead, the two judges were sentenced to death. When everyone heard this contradictory evidence, they realised that the accusations were false. But he answered: “Under an evergreen tree.” He answered: “Under a mastic tree.” He then asked the other man the same question. He asked the first under what tree he had seen Susanna cheat on her husband. Then Daniel questioned the two men separately. However, as she was being taken away, the prophet Daniel saw her and called out: “Return to court, for these men have given false evidence against her.”Īs Daniel was known for his wisdom, everyone returned at once. Since they were respected men, everyone believed their version of events – and Susanna was condemned to death. The two judges set out their case against her. Everyone from the house came running, to see what the matter was.Ī trial was called at Joachim’s house the very next day, attended by Susanna’s parents and friends. She then shouted for help, as did the judges. But Susanna said no, preferring to risk the death penalty than give in to them. If she refused, they said, they would tell everyone that they had caught her in the act with a young man. The two judges then emerged from hiding and demanded that Susanna sleep with them. The maids went to fetch her some toiletries, shutting the gate on the way out. Susanna came in to with two maids and because it was a hot day, she decided to take a bath. They hid in the garden and planned to force themselves on her. One day, they decided to do something about it. The two judges noticed this and began to lust after her. His wife Susanna used to take a daily walk there at noon, after everyone had left. In the grounds of his house was a tree-lined garden. His house was usually busy, because two elderly judges would hear court cases there in the mornings. It begins by introducing a rich man named Joachim, who was married to Susanna, a woman known for her beauty and goodness.

It’s set in Babylon, where the Jews where living in exile.

It’s a story about attempted rape, the abuse of power and the right to a fair trial. Towards the end of the book of Daniel is a dramatic tale about how the prophet saved an innocent woman named Susanna from the death penalty.

Susanna in the book of daniel