[AND the tribe of] Thamud gave the lie to all [Our] warnings; 23 So they said: What! a single mortal from among us! Shall we follow him? Most surely we shall in that case be in sure error and distress: 24 Has the reminder been made to light upon him from among us? Nay! he is an insolent liar! 25 They will know tomorrow who is the insolent liar. 26 For We will send the she-camel by way of trial for them. So watch them, (O Salih), and possess thyself in patience! 27 And tell them that the water [of the well] is to be divided between them, and that each one should drink in turn." 28 Then they called their fellow, and he took the sword and hamstrung her, 29 How (great) was then My punishment and My warning! 30 Behold, We let loose upon them one single blast [of Our punishment,] and they became like the dried-up, crumbling twigs of a sheepfold. 31 And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition? 32 Lot's people also gave the lie to the warnings, 33 Verily, We sent against them a violent storm of stones (which destroyed them all), except the family of Lout (Lot), whom We saved in last hour of the night, 34 As a favour from Us. Thus We recompense him who giveth thanks. 35 Surely Lot warned his people that We shall seize them (with Our chastisement), but they doubted the warnings. 36 and even demanded that he give up his guests [to them]: whereupon We deprived them of their sight [and thus told them, as it were]: "Taste, then, the suffering which I inflict when My warnings are disregarded!" 37 And indeed, the everlasting punishment overcame them early in the morning. 38 So have a taste of My chastisement and My warnings. 39 We have made the Quran easy to understand, but is there anyone who would pay attention? 40