We sent Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his Council, and he said: 'I am the Messenger of the Lord of the Worlds' 46 But when he brought them Our signs, at once they laughed at them. 47 And We showed them not a sign except that it was greater than its sister, and We seized them with affliction that perhaps they might return [to faith]. 48 They said, "Sorcerer, call on your Lord for us, by virtue of His pledge to you: we shall certainly accept guidance," 49 But lo, each time We removed Our affliction from them, they would go back on their word. 50 And Fir'aun (Pharaoh) proclaimed among his people, saying: "O my people! Is not mine the dominion of Egypt, and these rivers flowing underneath me. See you not then? 51 Am I (not) better than him who is contemptible, and cannot even express himself clearly? 52 Why, then, have armlets of gold not been set upon him, or angels sent along with him? 53 He (Pharaoh) intimidated his nation, so they obeyed him, for they were a sinning nation. 54 But when they continued to challenge Us, We inflicted Our retribution on them, and drowned them all: 55 and so We made them a thing of the past, and an example to those who would come after them. 56