We sent Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his nobles. He said, "I am the messenger of the Lord of the Universe," 46 Yet when he brought forth Clear Signs from Us, then lo, they burst into laughter. 47 even though each sign We showed them was greater than the previous one. We afflicted them with torment so that they might return [to the right path]. 48 And [every time] they exclaimed: "O thou sorcerer! Pray for us to thy Sustainer on the strength of the covenant [of prophethood] which He has made with thee: for, verily, we shall now follow the right way!" 49 But when We had relieved them of their punishment they broke their promise. 50 And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people: “My people, do I not have dominion over Egypt, and are these streams not flowing beneath me? Can't you see? 51 “Or that I am better than him, for he is lowly – and he does not seem to talk plainly.” 52 Why were bracelets of gold not bestowed upon him? Why did a retinue of angels not accompany him as attendants?” 53 Thus he incited his people to levity, and they obeyed him: for, behold, they were people depraved! 54 So when they incurred Our wrath, We exacted retribution from them, and drowned them all, 55 and so We made them a thing of the past, and an example to those who would come after them. 56