But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this [matter].
Ver. 5. But the eye of their God was upon the elders] Not the eye of his general providence only (which like unto a well drawn picture vieweth every one that cometh into a room), but the eye of his special grace and favour, Psalms 34:15. He looked upon them; as afterwards the Son of man stood and looked upon St Stephen combating with his cruel persecutors, and clapt him on the shoulders, as it were, saying, Cheer up, Vincenti dabo, &c., Acts 7:56. They also looked up to him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed, Psalms 34:5. Yea, they were steeled, as it were, and made more mettleful; like as Moses and Micaiah, when they had once seen God in his favour, they cared not for the menaces of angry monarchs.
That they could not cause them to cease] Saints dare undertake and undergo anything for the glory of their God. The heavens shall sooner fall than I will go against my conscience, said that martyr. In nothing be terrified by your adversaries, Philippians 1:28 .
Till the matter came to Darius] Nor then neither; for he encouraged and furthered them, Ezra 6:1,15
And then they returned answer] Or, Then answer was returned from the court, and the Jews had a sufficient authority for what they did.