Daniel was no unknown man; and he was hated both as a Jew and as a true worshipper of the God of heaven. His exaltation in the government still further provoked the envy and jealousy of the nobles, the princes, and the presidents over whom he had been placed. A man of incorruptible fidelity, seeking only to commend himself to God, could not be loved by men of corrupt and covetous hearts.

They therefore determined in some way or other to compass his deposition or destruction; and first of all they sought to find occasion against him concerning the kingdom-- concerning his administration of the government. There are none so eagle-eyed as malicious men, so that nothing, whether in matters of finance or other branches of the affairs of this vast empire, would escape their notice.

"But they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him" (verse 4). What a testimony to the probity and uprightness of this servant of God; and it is all the greater because, as we read in the next verse, it was a testimony borne by his enemies. They knew not that Daniel labored under the eye of Him who beholds the secrets of his heart, and that it was the joy of his life to walk in the favor and blessing of his God.

Edward Dennett