Is it not a lesson for the successors of the past generations that had We wanted, We could have punished them for their sins, sealed their hearts and deprived them of hearing? 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 found no covenant in the most part of them; indeed, We found the most part of them ungodly. 102 Then We sent, after them, Musa with Our signs unto Fir'awn and his chiefs, but they wronged them. Behold that wise was the end of the corrupters! 103 And Musa said: O Fir'awn! I am an apostle from the Lord of the worlds; 104 (I am) worthy of not saying anything about Allah except the truth: I have come to you indeed with clear proof from your Lord, therefore send with me the children of Israel 105 He answered: 'If you have come with a sign, show it to us if you are of the truthful' 106 Then [Musa (Moses)] threw his stick and behold! it was a serpent, manifest! 107 And he drew forth his hand (from his bosom), and lo! it was white for the beholders. 108