1. THERE lived a man in Babylon, and his name was Joakim:
2. and he took a wife, whose name was Susanna, the daughter of Helkias, a very fair woman, and one that feared the Lord.
3. Her parents also were righteous, and taught their daughter according to the law of Moses.
4. Now Joakim was a great rich man, and had a fair garden joining to his house: and to him resorted the Jews; because he was more honorable than all others.
5. And the same year there were appointed two of the ancients of the people to be judges, such as the Lord spoke of, that wickedness came from Babylon from ancient judges, who were accounted to govern the people.
6. These kept much at Joakim’s house: and all that had any suits in law came to them.
7. Now when the people departed away at noon, Susanna went into her husband’s garden to walk.
8. And the two elders saw her going in every day, and walking; and they were inflamed with love for her.