AND, INDEED, [a time came when] We thus inspired Moses: "Go forth with My servants by night, and strike out for them a dry path through the sea; [and] fear not of being overtaken, and dread not [the sea]." 77 Then Pharaoh followed them with his hosts and there covered them that which did cover them of the sea. 78 The Pharaoh and his people had gone away from guidance. 79 O Children of Israel; We delivered you from your enemy, and treated with you on the right side of the mount and sent down upon you the manna and the quails. 80 (And said): "Eat of the good things We have given you for food, and do not exceed the bounds (of law) in this, or My wrath will surely fall upon you; and he who incurs My wrath will fall into the abyss. 81 Yet I am All-forgiving to him who repents and believes, and does righteousness, and at last is guided.' 82 ۞ The Lord asked, "Moses, what made you attend your appointment with Me before your people?" 83 He said: "They are close on my footsteps, and I hastened to You, O my Lord, that You might be pleased." 84 (Allah) said: "Verily! We have tried your people in your absence, and As-Samiri has led them astray." 85 Moses returned to his people in anger and great sorrow. He said, "My people, did your Lord not make you a handsome promise? Was my absence too long for you? Did you desire that your Lord's wrath should descend upon you, when you broke your promise to me?" 86 They said: We broke not tryst with thee of our own will, but we were laden with burdens of ornaments of the folk, then cast them (in the fire), for thus As-Samiri proposed. 87 Then the Samiri forged the body of a motionless calf which gave out a hollow sound." The people said, "This is your Lord and the Lord of Moses whom he (Moses) forgot to mention". 88 Did they not consider that the calf could not give them any answer, nor it could harm or benefit them? 89