Has it, then, not become obvious unto those who have inherited the earth in the wake of former generations that, if We so willed, We could smite them [too] by means of their sins, sealing their hearts so that they cannot hear [the truth]? 100 Unto those [earlier] communities - some of whose stories We [now] relate unto thee - there had indeed come apostles of their own with all evidence of the truth; but they would not believe in anything to which they had once given the lie: thus it is that God seals the hearts of those who deny the truth; 101 We did not find most of them true to their covenants; indeed We found most of them to be transgressors. 102 Then we raised after them Musa with Our communications to Firon and his chiefs, but they disbelieved in them; consider then what was the end of the mischief makers. 103 Moses said: "O Pharaoh! I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds,- 104 "Proper it is for me that I say nothing concerning Allah but the truth. Indeed I have come unto you from your Lord with a clear proof. So let the Children of Israel depart along with me." 105 Said he, 'If thou hast brought a sign, produce it, if thou speakest truly.' 106 At this Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it became a live serpent. 107 And he drew forth his hand, and behold, it looked white to those who beheld it. 108