It is God who provides livestock for you, some for riding and some for your food: 79 And you have (many other) benefits from them, and that you may reach by their means a desire that is in your breasts (i.e. carry your goods, loads, etc.), and on them and on ships you are carried. 80 God shows you the evidence (of His existence). How can you then deny such evidence? 81 Have they not travelled through the land to see the terrible end of those who lived before them? They were far mightier in both number and power and in what they had established. Their (worldly) gains were of no benefit to them. 82 Then when their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with that which they had of the knowledge (of worldly things): And that at which they used to mock, surrounded them (i.e. the punishment). 83 But when they saw Our punishment, they said: We believe in Allah alone and we deny what we used to associate with Him. 84 But their belief when they saw Our might did not profit them -- the wont of God, as in the past, touching His servants; then the unbelievers shall be lost. 85