For I have heard the defaming of many, terror on every side. Denounce, and we will denounce him, [say] all my familiar friends, those who watch for my fall; peradventure he will be persuaded, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniyel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, because he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
They watched him, and sent out spies, who pretended to be righteous, that they might trap him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the power and authority of the governor.
Some therefore of the Perushim said, *This man is not from God, because he doesn't keep the Shabbat.* Others said, *How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?* There was division among them.