Indeed We sent Moses with Our Signs to Pharaoh and his nobles. He told them: “I am a Messenger of the Lord of the Universe.” 46 But when he came to them with Our signs, lo! they laughed at them. 47 And We did not show them a sign but it was greater than its like, and We overtook them with chastisement that they may turn. 48 But they said: "O sorcerer, call on your Lord for us in accordance with the compact He has made with you. We shall certainly come to guidance." 49 But lo, each time We removed Our affliction from them, they would go back on their word. 50 And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people, saying: "O my people! Does not the dominion of Egypt belong to me, (witness) these streams flowing underneath my (palace)? What! see ye not then? 51 Am I (not) better than him who is contemptible, and cannot even express himself clearly? 52 Why were bracelets of gold not bestowed upon him? Why did a retinue of angels not accompany him as attendants?” 53 Thus, he made dimwits out of his people and they followed him. They, certainly, were a sinful people. When they invoked Our anger, 54 But when they continued to challenge Us, We inflicted Our retribution on them, and drowned them all: 55 And made them a precedent and example for posterity. 56