Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.
Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews - literally, ate the torn limbs or flesh of the Jews (cf. Job 31:31; Psalms 14:4; Psalms 27:2; Jeremiah 10:25). Not probably "the Jews" in general, but, as Daniel 3:12 states, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Why Daniel was not summoned does not appear. Probably he was in some distant part of the empire on state business, and the general summons (Daniel 3:2) had not time to reach him before the dedication. Also, the Jews' enemies found it more politic to begin by attacking Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who were nearer at hand, and had less influence, before they proceeded to attack Daniel. Moreover, Daniel was regarded by Nebuchadnezzar as having himself a divine character (Daniel 2:46), and therefore was not required to bow to the image.