We sent Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his nobles. 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 And they said, "O thou sorcerer! Invoke thy Lord for us according to His covenant with thee; for we shall truly accept guidance." 49 But when We eased them of the torment, behold! they broke their word. 50 And Fir'awn proclaimed among his people, saying: O my people! is not mine the dominion of Misr and witness yonder rivers flowing underneath me? See ye not? 51 Am I not better than this contemptible (man), who can scarcely make things clear (because of the impediment of his speech)? 52 Why were bracelets of gold not bestowed upon him? Why did a retinue of angels not accompany him as attendants?” 53 In this way he fooled his people and they obeyed him: they were a rebellious people. 54 So when they incurred Our wrath, We exacted retribution from them, and drowned them all, 55 We made them become of the people of the past and an example for the coming generations. 56