Why did they say that Nebuchadnetzar appointed them over Avodas Bavel?
Malbim: They are not commoners, upon whom there was no decree.
Why did they not slander also Daniel ? also he did not bow!
Sanhedrin 93a: Daniel was not there at the time. Nebuchadnetzar wanted him to go, lest people say that Nebuchadnetzar burned his own god (Daniel).
Ibn Ezra: They feared to slander him, for they knew that the king offered to him like he does to his gods.
Ibn Ezra citing Yefes: They loved Daniel 1 .
Malbim: The decree did not apply to him. He was not appointed over a city or Medinah. He merely counseled the king. Even though it says "Chol Enash Di Yishma" (10), this refers to officers in front of the image who hear the instruments. Daniel was not there.
Ibn Ezra: There is no need to say so.
Why did they say "Lo Samu Alach Malka Te'em"?
Rashi: They were not concerned to take counsel for themselves, to be concerned for your decree.
Why did they mention that they do not serve Nebuchadnetzar's gods?
Malbim: Just like they do not serve your gods due to their creed, they did not bow to the image. They intended to slander all the Jews ? their creed stops them from doing the king's laws!
