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Introduction
‘Susannah’ is one of the books of the so-called Apocrypha, not as widely read as they once were but part of the classic English translation published in 1611, and ‘authorised to be read in churches’. It is a story about the use and the abuse of law, a reminder that even courts do not guarantee justice where there is no fear of God.
IN the days when Daniel lived in Babylon, a wealthy Jewish man named Joachim had a lovely young wife called Susannah. The Jews of Babylon visited the couple’s gracious home and garden daily, and when two new Babylonian judges were appointed, they held court sessions there.
Seeing her so often, the two judges were soon infatuated with Susannah, and used to watch her from the bushes in the private garden where she liked to bathe. One day, they lost all self-control, and burst out to demand that she give herself to them, or they would say they had caught her having an affair.
Susannah defied them. So they dragged her to a hastily assembled court and accused her of adultery. With their own eyes, they cried, they had seen a young man making love to Susannah beneath a tree, though (regrettably) he had overpowered them, and escaped.
Naturally, everyone believed their lordships, and Susannah was sentenced to death.
Précis
Susannah and her husband Joachim were well-to-do Jews in ancient Babylon. After Susannah spurned the advances of two Babylonian judges, they took revenge by accusing her of adultery, saying they had seen her lover with their own eyes. Their testimony was accepted without question, and Susannah was sentenced to death. (50 / 60 words)
Susannah and her husband Joachim were well-to-do Jews in ancient Babylon. After Susannah spurned the advances of two Babylonian judges, they took revenge by accusing her of adultery, saying they had seen her lover with their own eyes. Their testimony was accepted without question, and Susannah was sentenced to death.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 45 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: about, although, if, may, must, not, since, whereas.
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
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