Rowwad Translation Center — 493

43:48 Every sign We showed them was greater than the one before it[1], and We seized them with punishment[2] so that they may turn in repentance.

43:49 They said, “O magician, call upon your Lord for us, by virtue of the covenant He has made with you[1]; we will surely accept guidance.”

43:50 But as soon We removed the punishment from them, they broke their promise.

43:51 Pharaoh proclaimed to his people, saying, “O my people, does not the kingdom of Egypt belong to me, and these streams[1] flowing at my feet? Do you not see?

43:52 Or am I not better than this contemptible one who can hardly express himself[1]?

43:53 Then why are there not sent down upon him bracelets of gold or come with him angels to support him?”

43:54 Thus he made a fool of his people and they obeyed him. They were indeed a wicked people.

43:55 When they angered Us, We exacted Our retribution and drowned them all.

43:56 Thus We made them a precedent and a lesson[1] for the later generations.

43:57 When the example of the son of Mary was given, your people laughed and jeered[1],

43:58 and they said, “Are Our gods better or he[1]?” They only mentioned him to you for the sake of argument. They are indeed a contentious people.

43:59 He was only a slave whom We[1] favored and made him an example for the Children of Israel.

43:60 If We willed, We could [destroy you all and] replace you with angels, succeeding you on earth.