Susanna & the Elders | 100 Bible Stories

Summary

The script narrates the story of Joachim and Susanna, a devout couple facing corruption and injustice from two newly elected judges. As Joachim dispenses justice in his community, he unknowingly becomes embroiled in the judges' malicious desires for his wife, Susanna. The judges, motivated by greed, falsely accuse Susanna of infidelity, threatening her life and family. Despite the overwhelming odds, Susanna remains steadfast in her faith, calling upon God for deliverance. The unfolding events highlight themes of integrity, the struggle against corruption, and the pursuit of justice in a world filled with deceit.

Takeaways

• 😀 Joakim is a wise and fair man known for resolving disputes and ensuring justice in his community.
• 😀 Corrupt judges take bribes, compromising their integrity and the justice system.
• 😀 A poor man is unjustly evicted by a moneylender who inflates his debt, highlighting the exploitation of the vulnerable.
• 😀 Joakim intervenes to restore justice by ruling in favor of the poor man, emphasizing the importance of fairness.
• 😀 Susanna, Joakim's wife, is portrayed as a virtuous and beautiful woman, admired by many.
• 😀 The corrupt judges become infatuated with Susanna and plot to ruin her reputation to satisfy their desires.
• 😀 Susanna resists the advances of the judges, demonstrating her commitment to her faith and family.
• 😀 The judges fabricate a story to accuse Susanna of infidelity, showing their willingness to harm her to achieve their goals.
• 😀 Despite Joakim's defense and the community's belief in Susanna's innocence, the judges manipulate the truth to convict her.
• 😀 The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of corruption and the need for true justice in society.

Q & A

Who was Joakim and what was his role in the community?

Joakim was a wealthy and kind man who served as a judge, where court hearings were held at his house. He was well-respected and liked by everyone in the community.

What complaint does the first character bring to Joakim?

The first character claims he borrowed 100 shekels from a money lender but is being asked to repay 500 shekels, which he cannot afford. He seeks justice after being evicted from his home.

What is the outcome of the first case presented to Joakim?

Joakim determines that the money lender has forged documents and rules in favor of the poor man, ordering the money lender to return the property and sentencing him to three years in prison.

How does Joakim's wife, Susanna, contribute to the narrative?

Susanna is depicted as a devoted wife and a firm follower of God. She expresses concern about the increasing corruption among judges and hopes for justice.

What is the nature of the new judges who come to Joakim's court?

The newly elected judges are characterized as wicked men who lack fear of God and engage in corrupt practices, such as accepting bribes.

How do the judges plot against Susanna?

The judges become infatuated with Susanna and, after witnessing her in the garden, they conspire to accuse her falsely of infidelity, threatening her with dire consequences if she refuses their advances.

What false accusation do the judges make against Susanna?

The judges accuse Susanna of being unfaithful and having an illicit encounter with a young man in the garden, claiming they witnessed the act.

What do the townspeople think of Susanna's character?

Despite the judges' accusations, the townspeople believe in Susanna's purity and innocence, recognizing her as a virtuous woman.

What does Susanna do when faced with the judges' threats?

When threatened by the judges, Susanna appeals to God for help, expressing her faith that He will save her from the injustice she faces.

What themes are present in the script?

The script explores themes of justice, corruption, the consequences of power, faith, and the struggle between virtue and vice.