THEOSISJerome of Stridon
Upon hearing this, the king was enraged and deeply troubled, issuing a decree calling for the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. As the decree was executed, the wise men began to be slain. The Hebrews ponder: Why did Daniel and the three young men not appear before the king alongside the other wise men, and why were they included in the order for execution? They reason that when the king declared his promises of rewards, gifts, and the highest honors, they refrained from attending, concerned that it might seem they were disgracefully seeking riches and renown from the Chaldeans.
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Alternatively, it may have been that the Chaldeans, driven by jealousy over their wisdom and stature, came only for the purpose of securing the honors for themselves; however, they later sought to involve those whom they had dismissed, hoping to share in the peril together.