And (remember) when Moses said unto his people: O my people! Remember Allah's favour unto you, how He placed among you prophets, and He made you kings, and gave you that (which) He gave not to any (other) of (His) creatures. 20 Enter the sacred promised land which God has designated for you. Do not return to disbelief lest you become lost". 21 They said: "O Moses, in that land live a people who are formidable; we shall never go there until they leave. We shall enter when they go away." 22 Thereupon two God-fearing men whom God had blessed said, "Go into them through the gate -- for as soon as you enter, you shall surely be victorious! Put your trust in God if you are true believers." 23 They said: "O Moses, we shall never, never enter so long as they are there. Go you and your Lord to fight them; we stay here." 24 He said: "O my Lord! I have power only over myself and my brother: so separate us from this rebellious people!" 25 [Allah] said, "Then indeed, it is forbidden to them for forty years [in which] they will wander throughout the land. So do not grieve over the defiantly disobedient people." 26