Children of Israel! call to mind the (special) favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all other (for My Message). 47 Then guard yourselves against a day when one soul shall not avail another nor shall intercession be accepted for her, nor shall compensation be taken from her, nor shall anyone be helped (from outside). 48 Remember, We saved you from the Pharaoh's people who wronged and oppressed you and slew your sons but spared your women: In this was a great favour from your Lord. 49 We parted the sea for you, and, taking you to safety, drowned the family of Pharaoh before your eyes. 50 and when We appointed for Moses forty nights [on Mount Sinai,] and in his absence you took to worshipping the [golden] calf, and thus became evildoers: 51 Even then We did forgive you; there was a chance for you to be grateful. 52 And recall what time We vouchsafed unto Musa the Book and the distinction that haply ye may be guided. 53 Moses said to his people, "My people, you have done wrong to yourselves by worshipping the calf. Seek pardon from your Lord and slay yourselves." He told them that it would be best for them in the sight of their Lord, Who would forgive them, for He is All-forgiving and All-merciful. 54 And recall what time ye said: O Musa! we will not believe in thee until we see God openly; then a thunderbolt took hold of you while ye looked on. 55 Then We raised you up after your death, so that you might be grateful. 56 And We made the clouds to give shade over you and We sent to you manna and quails: Eat of the good things that We have given you; and they did not do Us any harm, but they made their own souls suffer the loss. 57 And remember We said: "Enter this town, and eat of the plenty therein as ye wish; but enter the gate with humility, in posture and in words, and We shall forgive you your faults and increase (the portion of) those who do good." 58 But those who wronged changed [those words] to a statement other than that which had been said to them, so We sent down upon those who wronged a punishment from the sky because they were defiantly disobeying. 59