Hippolytus of Rome : For that which issued from the elders concerning what befell Susannah, these things are now also likewise accomplished by the chiefs of the people in Babylon now. For Susannah foreshadows the church, Jehoiakim her husband foreshadows Christ. The garden is the calling of the saints just like how fruit bearing trees produce fruit in the church. Babylon is the world. But the two elders represent the example of two peoples who scheme against the church, one who is of the circumcision and one who is of the gentiles. For it is said, "They were appointed as chiefs of the people and judges," [Susannah 5] It indicates that in this age they have authority and rule, unrighteously judging the righteous. — Commentary on Daniel 1.15.4-6 Hippolytus of Rome : And so this well known account occurred long ago in Babylon under the lawless elders, the judges who, forgetting the law of God and being enslaved to fleshly lusts, became plotters against the chaste Susannah, unrighteously grasping to destroy her righteous blood. Accordingly it was necessary that these things be fulfilled in this way by the elders, so that namely the chosen race of righteousness may be manifested to all and the chastity of the blessed Susannah may be clearly shown and the righteous and holy prophet Daniel, then a young prophet, may be demonstrated to the people. — Commentary on Daniel 1.1.4-5 Jerome : Verse 5. "And there were two of the elders of the people (the Vulgate omits: of the people) who were appointed judges that year." There was a Jew who used to allege that these men were Ahab and Zedekiah (variant: Alchias and Zedekiah), of whom Jeremiah wrote: "The Lord do to thee as Ahab and Zedekiah, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire because of the iniquity they had wrought in Israel and because they had committed adultery (variant: were committing adultery) with the wives of their citizens" (Jeremiah 29:22-23). "It was concerning them that the Lord said that iniquity came forth from Babylon on the part of the ancient judges who appeared to govern the people. They used to frequent the house of Joakim..." Very appropriately it is not said of these sinful elders, "They governed the people," but rather, "They appeared to govern." For those who furnish good leadership to the people are the ones who govern them, but those who merely have the title of judge and lead the people unjustly only appear to govern the people rather than actually doing so. — St. Jerome, Commentary on Daniel, CHAPTER THIRTEEN Origen of Alexandria : A Hebrew informed us that they were Achiah and Zedekiah, those whom "the king of Babylon roasted in the fire because their conduct in Israel was an outrage, having committed adultery with the wives of their neighbors." — STROMATEIS 10 (VIA ON Daniel 13:5a)