Has it, then, not become obvious unto those who have inherited the earth in the wake of former generations that, if We so willed, We could smite them [too] by means of their sins, sealing their hearts so that they cannot hear [the truth]? 100 We have told you the stories of those towns: their messengers came to them with clear signs, but they were never going to believe in something they had already rejected. Thus God seals up the hearts of those who deny the truth. 101 And We found no covenant in most of them; and most of them We found ungodly. 102 Then We sent, after them, Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his Council, but they did them wrong; so behold thou, how was the end of the workers of corruption! 103 Moses said, "Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Lord of the Universe, 104 Approved upon condition that I speak concerning Allah nothing but the truth. I come unto you (lords of Egypt) with a clear proof from your Lord. So let the Children of Israel go with me. 105 Said he, 'If thou hast brought a sign, produce it, if thou speakest truly.' 106 Thereupon [Moses] threw down his staff, and lo! it was a serpent, plainly visible; 107 And he drew out his hand; thereupon it was white [with radiance] for the observers. 108