Scholars explain that Nebuchadnezzar's opening question, translated as "Is it of purpose?" or "Is it true?", is essentially the king asking, "Did you disobey me intentionally?" Commentators like Barnes and Gill note that he is giving the three men a final chance to recant, perhaps hoping their defiance was a mistake rather than a deliberate act. This moment of apparent moderation highlights the gravity of their intentional stand.