Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 We sent them two Messengers whom they rejected. We supported them by sending a third one who told the people, "We are the Messengers (of God) who have been sent to you". 14 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 They rejoined: "We feel you augur ill. If you do not desist, we shall stone you to death, and inflict a grievous punishment on you." 18 They said: "Your evil omens are with yourselves: (deem ye this an evil omen). If ye are admonished? Nay, but ye are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 Follow those who ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 21 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back? 22 What, shall I take, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said: enter thou the Garden. He said: would that my people knew. 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32