Now the cat is let out of the bag. In their meeting with the king, it immediately becomes clear why they had insisted to the king to proclaim this law. They reveal that they themselves have seen and heard that Daniel has already broken this new law at three occasions. The words they use also make it clear that they are enemies of Daniel. They do not call him by his lofty title but speak of him as one of the exiles from Judah.
Their accusation against Daniel surely must lead to him being sentenced to die. Then he can no longer become prime minister and rule over them. Then Daniel can no longer protect and lead the exiles, the people of God. The full intent of the demonic scheme now becomes clear.
13 Then they answered and said before the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or the injunction you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.”