One seven times. — It is doubtful whether “seven” is used here as a round number or not. According to the Babylonian mythology, there were seven demons, named “Maskim,” who were the most formidable of the infernal powers. Perhaps the number “seven” has a reference to them, for the religious nature of the punishment favours the view that the overheating of the furnace was regarded as a religious act.
Than it was wont. — More correctly, than it was fitting. The improper heating of the furnace led to the death of the mighty men (Daniel 3:22).