Judges. The Jews say they were Achab and Sedecias, (Origen) as this text seems to allude to Jeremias xxix. 21. or xxxiii. 14. But how were they burnt? since the Jews appear to have stoned them, unless they were delivered up to the king’s officers, ver. 61. (Calmet) — The captives under Joakim, were better treated than those who were taken nineteen years afterwards, when all fell into a heavier bondage. (Worthington) — The might enjoy possessions, (Haydock) and have judges of their nation. (Calmet) — Cappel. urges this difficulty, and many others, to shew that this account is fabulous. But as the Jews were allowed to follow their religion, the Chaldeans would strive to keep them in good order. It is not said that Joakim was one of the captives. He might have settled long before at Babylon, where Helcias probably brought up his daughter in the fear of God, ver. 3. The judges might also have had authority before over the Israelites, in Assyria, who were now all under the same government, ver. 57. (Houbigant.; Pref.)
Noon, at which time the Jews dined, (ver. 13.; Jos.[Josephus?] vita) and the streets were as little frequented as they are at night among us. Hence the judges thought this a fit opportunity. (Calmet)
Mind. They were distracted by love, (Haydock) and rendered foolish.
Back door, leading from the house. Strangers came by the other gates. (Calmet) — Susanna had not perhaps at first intended to bathe. Cappel. accuses her of imprudence, without reason. He cannot believe that the old judges would be so sottish as they appear to have been. (Houbigant.)
Death of the soul, (St. Jerome) and also of the body, if the adultery were detected. How much does Susanna surpass the famed Lucretia, who slew herself to shew that she had not consented to her violation! Si adultera cur laudata? Si pudica cur occisa? (St. Augustine, de Civ. Dei. i. 19.; St. Ambrose, de Sp. iii. 3.) (Calmet)
Out. So the law ordained, when a woman was assaulted. (Haydock)
People, for greater shew of justice. (Worthington) — We here behold the forms.
Uncovered, pretending that respect for the company required it, or perhaps that they might detect her guilt by her blushes. (Calmet) — But their real motive is here disclosed. (Haydock)