There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Ver. 12. There are certain Jews.] Everywhere spoken against, as were afterwards Christians, odio humani generis, saith Tacitus, a hated for their religion.
Whom thou hast set over the affairs.] This was it that irked these spiteful accusers: "Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?" Pro 27:4
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.] Whom, though thou hast highly preferred, and by calling them by the names of thy gods, engaged them to thy religion, yet will they not yield to it, but be singular and refractory.
These men, O king, have not regarded thee.] Chald., Have set no regard upon thee. This was ever unicum crimen eorum qui crimine vacabant.
a Lib. xv.