Charles Ellicott Commentary Daniel 3:12

"There are certain Jews whom thou hast appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." — Daniel 3:12 (ASV)

Whom thou hast set.— The high position of these men is mentioned partly to explain the king’s anger on account of their supposed ingratitude, and partly to account for the malice and jealousy of their slanderers.

But why was Daniel absent from the ceremony? His behaviour some years later (Daniel 6:10) leaves it beyond question that he would not have taken part in any idolatrous rites. Possibly his position as “chief of the wise men” (Daniel 2:48) made his presence unnecessary. Possibly he was absent on other duties.

Two things are certain:

1. The object of the book is not to glorify Daniel.
2. A writer of a fictitious story would have recorded a miracle to deliver Daniel, as well as the three children.