We sent Moses to the Pharaoh and his nobles with Our miracles and he said, "I am the Messenger of the Lord of the Universe". 46 But as soon as he came before them with Our [miraculous] signs, lo! they derided them, 47 Of all the miracles which We showed to them the latter ones were greater than the former. We struck them with torment so that perhaps they would return to Us. 48 They said, "Sorcerer, call on your Lord for us, by virtue of His pledge to you: we shall certainly accept guidance," 49 But when We had relieved them of their punishment they broke their promise. 50 And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people, saying: "O my people! Does not the dominion of Egypt belong to me, (witness) these streams flowing underneath my (palace)? What! see ye not then? 51 Am I better or this contemptible man who is scarcely able to express himself? 52 Why were bracelets of gold not bestowed upon him? Why did a retinue of angels not accompany him as attendants?” 53 So he bluffed his people, and they obeyed him. Indeed, they were [themselves] a people defiantly disobedient [of Allah]. 54 So when they incurred Our wrath, We exacted retribution from them, and drowned them all, 55 And We made them a precedent (as a lesson for those coming after them), and an example to later generations. 56