Daniel requested of the King] He did not this for their private profit, but that the whole Church, which was then there in affliction, might have some release and ease by this benefit: And hence we see that men which have the favour of Kings should preferre good men to such places as they cannot attend to execute themselves.
over the affairs of the province] His Chamber, and his commings in and dispatches.
Daniel sat in the gate of the king] Meaning, that either he was a Judge, or that he had the whole authoritie, so that none could be admitted to the Kings presence, but by him: Others say, he stirred not from the King, being, as it were, the Master of his palace, and the chiefe Minister, and Officer of his Empire.