We did send Moses aforetime, with Our Signs, to Pharaoh and his Chiefs: He said, "I am a messenger of the Lord of the Worlds." 46 But when he brought them Our signs, lo, they laughed at them. 47 And We did not show them a sign but it was greater than its like, and We overtook them with chastisement that they may turn. 48 And they said [to Musa (Moses)]: "O you sorcerer! Invoke your Lord for us according to what He has covenanted with you. Verily, We shall guide ourselves (aright)." 49 But when We removed the torment from them, behold! They broke their covenant (that they will believe if We remove the torment for them). 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 I am surely better than this fellow, who is despicable and can hardly make (his meaning) plain! 52 "Then why are not gold bracelets bestowed on him, or (why) come (not) with him angels accompanying him in procession?" 53 Thus, he made dimwits out of his people and they followed him. They, certainly, were a sinful people. When they invoked Our anger, 54 But when they continued to challenge Us, We inflicted Our retribution on them, and drowned them all: 55 And We made them (a people) of the Past and an Example to later ages. 56