What kind of power can build society? A remarkable power play in Susanna

Elma Cornelius

doi:10.4102/hts.v75i3.5540

Abstract

The struggle in Susanna is between the protagonist, Susanna, and the antagonists, namely, the elders. The power struggle between these two groups is the focus of this article. The powers of each are discussed in order to understand the power play. In the end, the power play is between God and evil. It was found that the elders, as men, abused their power by threatening Susanna to have sex with forced consent. In addition, they abused their legal powers to witness against her in court. By contrast, Susanna had no power in public – only limited power as a woman in society and in a marriage. The only power she relied on was her spiritual power because of her faith in God. She trusted God and he protected her by stirring up the spirit of a man named Daniel. Daniel spoke in court on behalf of Susanna. He became an instrument in God’s hands. The article concludes with the statement that only spiritual power can save this world.

Highlights

In the apocrypha Susanna, we read the story of Susanna
The fair Hebrew wife of Joachim, named Susanna, is falsely accused by two elders. As she bathes in her garden, having sent her attendants away, two lustful elders secretly observe the lovely Susanna
Orr (1915) is of the opinion that where Joachim had a bathing pool in his garden in Babylonia (Sus 15), Susanna might refer to bathing http://www.hts.org.za in the open air, as the public plunge baths of the Greek type were unknown amongst the Hebrews until they were brought in contact with the Greek civilisation

Summary

Introduction

In the apocrypha Susanna, we read the story of Susanna. As the story goes, the fair Hebrew wife of Joachim, named Susanna, is falsely accused by two elders. They seized Susanna and asked who the young man was, but she would not tell them These elders abused their power as authoritative judges in society by their twisting of justice. Susanna had no social power to defend herself in the court These elders tried to rape Susanna because of them turning away from God and becoming desirous for her. Orr (1915) is of the opinion that where Joachim had a bathing pool in his garden in Babylonia (Sus 15), Susanna might refer to bathing http://www.hts.org.za in the open air, as the public plunge baths of the Greek type were unknown amongst the Hebrews until they were brought in contact with the Greek civilisation It was said, at the very beginning of the story that Joachim was wealthy, with a garden adjoining his house (Sus 4) and that the house was so big that even the judges could use it as a courtroom (Sus 6). This supernatural power showed in the story of Susanna that he will not allow injustice to have the last word against those who are faithful to him and that he will intervene on their behalf

Conclusion

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