This verse is from the Apocryphal book of Susanna, specifically verse 20 of the story. It's a crucial part of the narrative and needs to be understood within its context. Let's break down the meaning:
"Behold, the garden doors are shut, that no man can see us..." This establishes the setting and the false sense of privacy the two elders believe they have. They are alone with Susanna in the garden and believe they are unobserved.
"...and we are in love with you..." This is a direct, though unwanted, declaration of lust and desire towards Susanna. It's not genuine love, but a forceful expression of their lecherous intent.
"...therefore consent to us, and lie with us." This is the crux of the verse – the demand for Susanna to have sexual relations with them. They are pressuring her to give in to their desires.
In essence, this verse is a statement of blackmail and sexual coercion. The elders are taking advantage of what they perceive as a private situation to pressure Susanna into committing adultery with them.
The importance of context:
The rest of the story is essential to understanding the full meaning. Susanna, a virtuous and God-fearing woman, refuses their advances. The elders, scorned and humiliated, then falsely accuse her of adultery, leading to her being put on trial and facing the death penalty.
The verse reveals the elders' corrupt nature, their abuse of power (as respected members of the community), and the injustice of their accusation against Susanna. The story ultimately highlights Susanna's righteousness, her faith in God, and how God intervened through Daniel to expose the elders' lies and save her.
This verse is from the Apocryphal book of Susanna, specifically verse 20 of the story. It's a crucial part of the narrative and needs to be understood within its context. Let's break down the meaning:
"Behold, the garden doors are shut, that no man can see us..." This establishes the setting and the false sense of privacy the two elders believe they have. They are alone with Susanna in the garden and believe they are unobserved.
"...and we are in love with you..." This is a direct, though unwanted, declaration of lust and desire towards Susanna. It's not genuine love, but a forceful expression of their lecherous intent.
"...therefore consent to us, and lie with us." This is the crux of the verse – the demand for Susanna to have sexual relations with them. They are pressuring her to give in to their desires.
In essence, this verse is a statement of blackmail and sexual coercion. The elders are taking advantage of what they perceive as a private situation to pressure Susanna into committing adultery with them.
The importance of context:
The rest of the story is essential to understanding the full meaning. Susanna, a virtuous and God-fearing woman, refuses their advances. The elders, scorned and humiliated, then falsely accuse her of adultery, leading to her being put on trial and facing the death penalty.
The verse reveals the elders' corrupt nature, their abuse of power (as respected members of the community), and the injustice of their accusation against Susanna. The story ultimately highlights Susanna's righteousness, her faith in God, and how God intervened through Daniel to expose the elders' lies and save her.
