۞ What, have they not journeyed in the land and beheld how was the end of those before them? They were stronger than themselves in might and left firmer traces in the earth; yet God seized them in their sins, and they had none to defend them from God. 21 That was because they disbelieved their Messengers when they came to them with clear signs, and so Allah seized them. Surely, He is Strong, and Stern in retribution. 22 And certainly We sent Musa with Our communications and clear authority, 23 unto Pharaoh, and Haman, and Qarun; but they [only] said, "A spellbinder is he, a liar!" 24 When We sent him to them for a genuine purpose, they said, "Kill the sons of those who have believed in him but keep their women alive." The plots of the unbelievers can only result in failure. 25 And Fir'awn said: let me alone, that I may slay Musa, and let him call upon his Lord. Verily I fear that he may change your religion or that he may cause to appear in the land corruption. 26 And Moses said, 'I take refuge in my Lord and your Lord from every man who is proud, and believes not in the Day of Reckoning.' 27