And set out to them an example of the people of the town, when the apostles came to it. 13 When We had sent two towards them and they denied them both, so We fortified them with a third, and they all said, “Indeed we have been sent to you.” 14 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 They answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 And from the outermost part of the city came a man running; he said, “O my people! Obey those who have been sent.” 20 Follow him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 21 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back? 22 Shall I take others besides Him as gods? If the Gracious God should intend me any harm, their intercession will be of no avail, nor can they deliver me. 23 Verily then I should be in error manifest. 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 It was but one Shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32