AND [thus it is:] We have not created heaven and earth and all that is between them without meaning and purpose, as is the surmise of those who are bent on denying the truth: but then, woe from the fire [of hell] unto all who are bent on denying the truth! 27 Or shall We make those who believe and do righteous deeds as the workers of corruption in the earth, or shall We make the godfearing as the transgressors? 28 This is the Blessed Book that We have revealed to you, (O Muhammad), that people with understanding may reflect over its verses and those with understanding derive a lesson. 29 We gave David Solomon. He was an excellent servant who always turned to God. 30 When his dressage steeds were presented to him in the evening, 31 Therefore Sulaiman said, “I cherish the love of these horses*, out of remembrance of my Lord”; he then ordered them to be raced until they vanished in a curtain out of sight. (To be used in holy war.) 32 He then ordered, “Bring them back to me”; and he began caressing their shins and necks. 33 Surely We put Solomon to the test and cast upon his throne a mere body. Thereupon he penitently turned (to Us). 34 He said, 'My Lord, forgive me, and give me a kingdom such as may not befall anyone after me; surely Thou art the All-giver.' 35 Then We subjected to him the wind: it ran gently by his command withersoever he directed. 36 And the devils -- the builders and divers of all kinds, 37 And others bound together in shackles. 38 We told him, "This is Our gift to you so give them away free or keep them as you like". 39 Indeed an exalted position of nearness awaits him and an excellent resort. 40