Does it not guide the people who inherit the land from former people that We can punish them for their sins if We will? And seal up their hearts so that they would not be able to lend an ear to words of guidance? 100 To those [earlier] communities - some of whose stories We relate to you - there had indeed come Messengers with clear proofs, but they would not believe what they had once rejected as false. Thus it is that Allah seals the hearts of those who deny the truth. 101 We did not find the covenant upheld by the majority of them, but We found most of them evildoers. 102 After those We sent forth Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his nobles, but they dealt with Our signs unjustly. Observe, then, what happened to the mischief-makers. 103 Moses said: "O Pharaoh, I have been sent by the Lord of all the worlds; 104 “It is obligatory for me not to speak concerning Allah except the truth; I have come to you all with a clear sign from your Lord, therefore let the Descendants of Israel go with me.” 105 Pharaoh said: if you have brought a sign, then bring it forth if you are truthful.' 106 Thereupon Moses threw his rod, and suddenly it was a veritable serpent. 107 and he drew forth his hand, and lo! it appeared [shining] white to the beholders. 108