22. “There is no way out,” Susanna moaned. “If I give in to you, I could be put to death for adultery. If I refuse, you will still have me trapped.
23. But I would rather be your innocent victim than sin against the Lord.”
24. So she started screaming as loud as she could, and the two judges began shouting accusations,
25. while one of them ran and unlocked the gates.
26. As soon as the servants in the house heard all the noise, they ran into the gardens through the side door to find out what had happened to Susanna.
27. The judges told their story, and the servants were shocked and ashamed. Such a thing had never been said about Susanna before.
28. The next day, when the people assembled at Joakim's house, the two judges arrived, fully determined to carry out their wicked plan to have Susanna put to death.
29. In front of all the people they said, “Send for Joakim's wife Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah.” When she was called,
30. she came in with her parents, her children, and all her other relatives.