Has it not become clear to those who inherited the earth after its [previous] people that if We willed, We could afflict them for their sins? But We seal over their hearts so they do not hear. 100 We have told you the stories of those towns: their messengers came to them with clear signs, but they were never going to believe in something they had already rejected. Thus God seals up the hearts of those who deny the truth. 101 We found no (loyalty to any) covenant in most of them. Nay, most of them We found wrong-doers. 102 Then, after them, We sent Moses with our tokens unto Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they repelled them. Now, see the nature of the consequence for the corrupters! 103 Moses said: 'Pharaoh, I am a Messenger from the Lord of the Worlds, 104 Incumbent it is upon me that I speak naught respecting Allah save the truth; surely I have brought you an evidence from your Lord; wherefore let then go with me the Children of Isra'il. 105 Said he, 'If thou hast brought a sign, produce it, if thou speakest truly.' 106 Then Moses threw down his staff and suddenly, unmistakably, it appeared as a serpent, 107 and he drew forth his hand, and it appeared [shining] white to the beholders. 108