We sent Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his nobles. He said, "I am the messenger of the Lord of the Universe," 46 So when he brought Our signs to them, they started mocking at them! 47 yet there was not a sign that We showed them that was not greater than its sister, and We seized them with the punishment so that they might return. 48 And they said [to Musa (Moses)]: "O you sorcerer! Invoke your Lord for us according to what He has covenanted with you. Verily, We shall guide ourselves (aright)." 49 Then when We had removed from them the torment, behold they were breaking their promise. 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 Or am I better than this man, who is contemptible and scarcely makes things clear? 52 Why were bracelets of gold not bestowed upon him? Why did a retinue of angels not accompany him as attendants?” 53 He incited his people to levity and they obeyed him. Surely they were an iniquitous people. 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 and example to the later generations. 56