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 We showed them Sign after Sign, each greater than its fellow, and We seized them with Punishment, in order that they might turn (to Us). 48 They said, "Magician, pray to your Lord for us through your covenant with Him (If he saves us from the torment), we shall certainly seek guidance". 49 But when We eased them of the torment, behold! they broke their word. 50 And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people: 'O my people, do I not possess the kingdom of Egypt, and these rivers flowing beneath me? What, do you not see? 51 Am I not better than this contemptible (man), who can scarcely make things clear (because of the impediment of his speech)? 52 "Then why are not gold bracelets bestowed on him, or (why) come (not) with him angels accompanying him in procession?" 53 So when he had brainwashed his people, they followed him; indeed they were a disobedient nation. 54 But when they continued to challenge Us, We inflicted Our retribution on them, and drowned them all: 55 And We made them a precedent (as a lesson for those coming after them), and an example to later generations. 56