Indeed We sent Moses with Our Signs to Pharaoh and his nobles. He told them: “I am a Messenger of the Lord of the Universe.” 46 But when he brought them Our signs, lo, they laughed at them. 47 Every Sign that We showed them was greater than its predecessor; and then We seized them with Our chastisement so that they may return (to the Right Way). 48 And they said [to Moses], "O magician, invoke for us your Lord by what He has promised you. Indeed, we will be guided." 49 But when We removed from them the affliction, at once they broke their word. 50 And the Pharaoh said to his people: "O people, is not mine the kingdom of Egypt and these rivers that flow at my feet? Can you still not comprehend? 51 Aye! I am better than this one who is despicable, and well-nigh cannot make himself plain. 52 Why, then, have armlets of gold not been set upon him, or angels sent along with him? 53 Thus he persuaded his people to make light (of Moses), and they obeyed him. Lo! they were a wanton folk. 54 But when they continued to challenge Us, We inflicted Our retribution on them, and drowned them all: 55 and so We made them a thing of the past, and an example to those who would come after them. 56