Bible Seminar | Rev. Ira D. Mangililo, PhD
Background and Historical Context
The story of Susana is a unique narrative whose existence separates several religious traditions. Found in deuterocanonical and apocryphal books, the story is not included in the Hebrew and Protestant canons of the Bible, but is accepted as part of the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. This difference reflects the text's rich history of reception, where some important theologians such as Martin Luther, nonetheless recommended the story be read for its universal moral value.
Historically, this story has two main versions: the version from the Septuagint that places it at the end of the book of Daniel (after chapter 12) and the version from Theodotion (one of the great Hebrew-Greek Bible translators of the 2M century) that places it at the beginning. This difference in placement does not change the essence of the story, but shows how the narrative is valued in different traditions. The setting is in Babylon, where the Jewish community lives in exile.
Synopsis of Susana's Story
The story focuses on Susana, a woman described as very beautiful, wealthy, and pious, the wife of a bourgeois man named Jehoiakim. Their home is the center of Jewish community activities, including the gathering place of two highly respected elderly judges. However, underneath their robes of honor, these two elders had evil intentions. They secretly observe Susana in the garden and are obsessed with her beauty.
Susana was then brought to court, where the false testimony of the two judges was taken for granted by the community. Susana was sentenced to death by stoning. When all hope seemed lost, Daniel, a young man who would later become a prophet, appeared. Daniel, moved by God, challenged the verdict. With his ingenuity, he requested that the two judges be interrogated separately. Daniel asked each of them under the tree if they had seen Susana commit adultery. The first elder answered "Under the pistasia tree", while the second answered "Under the chestnut tree". This difference in answers proved their lies, and eventually Susana was set free while the two elders were condemned to death.
Susan's world
The fragile Susan, amidst her cries, turns her gaze to the sky in an attempt to counter the gaze of the judges who continue to watch her. She gazes upwards as a form of resistance, as she believes that only the powers above are capable of resisting the two judges. This action symbolizes his submission to God, the source of justice and truth, to ask for help against the slander he is accused of.
This story uses the dualism of the world as a central theme. This helps the reader to understand the meaning behind Susana's act of raising her head to the sky. The upper world, symbolized by heaven, represents justice, freedom, and hope. It is the source of truth from which Susana seeks help when she is threatened. In contrast, Babylon, where Susana and the Jews live, is a representation of the underworld filled with evil. Ironically, even the house of Jehoiakim, which should have been a place where justice was served, became a place where evil was planned and executed. This was exacerbated by the fact that the two judges who were supposed to be the guardians of Moses' law, became the perpetrators of the crime. This shows that the world they live in has been influenced by evil, so that justice cannot be found there, but only comes from above.
Deep Analysis and Modern Relevance
Critique of Abuse of Power
Susana's story is a sharp critique of the abuse of power. The two elders who are supposed to be the guardians of justice and morality become the perpetrators of evil. They use their position and authority to manipulate the situation and ruin the life of an innocent woman. The story also touches on the issue of victim-blaming culture, where society takes for granted the false testimonies of judges without cross-examining them, simply because of their respected status.
Gender Issues and the View of Objectification
This story deeply touches on modern issues surrounding gender and sexual violence. It emphasizes the dangers of the male gaze, or the objectifying view of men towards women. The two judges do not see Susana as an individual with dignity, but as an object of lust that they must possess. The name "Susana" itself, which means "lily", symbolizes beauty and fragility, which is contrasted with "tree" which symbolizes strength and power, as the two judges use to disguise their lies.
The Importance of Intervention
This story shows that justice will not come by itself. Daniel's intervention was the key to Susana's liberation. He teaches us that when we see injustice and hear the voices of innocent victims, we must not remain silent. Despite taking the risky path, Daniel's actions show that acting against injustice is part of God's agenda. In addition, Susana's cry in the park was also a very important act of resistance. She did not remain silent and accept her fate, but rather chose to resist and ask for help, which eventually paved the way for Divine intervention.
Self-Defense and Divine Justice
Although Daniel helped her at the last minute, Susana was the hero who saved herself. She had a strong life principle to do what was good and right, despite the consequences. She cried out, showed her courage, and asked for God's intervention. This story reminds us that God is on the side of those who are abused and suffering. May this story inspire us all to choose good, reject evil, and stand up for what is right.
This story serves as a powerful reminder that we should not be passive bystanders when it comes to violence and injustice. Through Susana's courage and Daniel's intervention, we are reminded that by acting, we can help uphold truth and justice.
