Then they replied to the king, ‘Daniel, one of the Judean exiles, has ignored you, the king, and the edict you signed, for he prays three times a day.’
Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people, for they are reverent before him.
The governors who preceded me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them food and wine as well as half a kilogram of silver. Their subordinates also oppressed the people, but because of the fear of God, I didn’t do this.
The statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab’s house have been observed; you have followed their policies. Therefore, I will make you a desolate place and the city’s residents an object of contempt; , you will bear the scorn of my people.’ ,
Then the king ordered the guards standing by him, ‘Turn and kill the priests of the Lord because they sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they didn’t tell me.’ But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to execute the priests of the Lord.
Yet the king’s order prevailed over Joab and the commanders of the army. So Joab and the commanders of the army left the king’s presence to register the troops of Israel.