The Apocryphal Story
of Susanna

The Revd Matthew Smedley, Member, Family and Domestic Violence Working Group and Rector, Parish of Mosman Park

The apocryphal story of Susanna tells how a very beautiful woman, devout in her faith and married to a rich man, is trapped by two men who demand her consent so they may have sex with her. She denies consent and screams, the men shout back, and everyone nearby comes running.

Susanna is brought to trial to be put to death and the two men claim an anonymous young man had sex with Susanna and that Susanna is protecting him by not revealing his name. As she is being led to execution, God stirs ‘up the holy spirit of a young man named Daniel, and he shout[s] with a loud voice,
‘I want no part in shedding this woman’s blood!’ (Sus 45-46). Daniel interrogates the two men and their evidence does not corroborate. The two men are executed, Susanna is vindicated, the whole assembly shouts and blesses God ‘who saves those who hope in him’ (Sus 60).

Whilst the context of this story is around 100 BCE, it speaks clearly to us today. Susanna does everything she can to protect herself yet there is the unforeseen possibility of evil and abuse. What shines through is Susanna’s resilience, even in the context of patriarchy and invalidity of women’s voices. Susanna knows the truth and what is right. Susanna will not compromise her identity and validity, she will not be downtrodden by lies and by men.

Those who have experience of domestic violence and abuse know the feelings of valuelessness, violation, loss of identity and hopelessness. For people of faith who see the best in others, who believe in reconciliation and metanoia, who are ready to give another chance, who love their neighbour more than themselves, it is hard to stand up and speak the truth when this means uncertainty or termination of a relationship.

Thank God for people like Daniel, who, filled with the Holy Spirit, speak up for us when we can’t, who cannot abide injustice. Who take action when we cannot do it by ourselves. Who ensure our safety and welfare is paramount. Who save lives. Whilst we may not all have personal experience of domestic violence and abuse, we are all called, like Daniel, to speak the truth, and to see what is going on around us, particularly in the lives of those we love.

Published in Messenger May 2025