Albert Barnes Commentary Daniel 6:4

"Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him." — Daniel 6:4 (ASV)

Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel - The word rendered “occasion” (עלה 'illâh) means a pretext or pretense. “The Arabs use the word of any business or affair which serves as a cause or pretext for neglecting another business.” - Gesenius, Lexicon.

The meaning is that they sought to find some plausible pretext or reason concerning Daniel, by which the contemplated appointment might be prevented, and by which he might be effectually humbled. No one who is acquainted with the intrigues of cabinets and courts can have any doubt as to the probability of what is stated here. Nothing has been more common in the world than intrigues of this kind to humble a rival and to bring down those who are meritorious to a state of degradation.

The cause of the plot devised here seems to have been mere envy and jealousy—and perhaps the consideration that Daniel was a foreigner and one of a despised people held in captivity.

Concerning the kingdom. This phrase refers to the administration of the kingdom. They sought to find evidence of malversation in office, abuse of power, attempts at personal aggrandizement, or inattention to the duties of the office.

This is literally “from the side of the kingdom,” meaning that the accusation was sought in that area or in that respect. No other charge would likely be effectual, except one that pertained to maladministration in office.

But they could find none occasion nor fault - This is an honorable testimony to Daniel’s fidelity and the uprightness of his character. If there had been any malversation in office, it would have been detected by these men.