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038.008 "What! has the Message been sent to him - (Of all persons) among us?"...but they are in doubt concerning My
(Own) Message! Nay, they have not yet tasted My Punishment!
038.009 Or have they the treasures of the mercy of thy Lord,- the Exalted in Power, the Grantor of Bounties without
measure?
038.010 Or have they the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all between? If so, let them mount up with the
ropes and means (to reach that end)!
038.011 But there - will be put to flight even a host of confederates.
038.012 Before them (were many who) rejected apostles,- the people of Noah, and 'Ad, and Pharaoh, the Lord of
Stakes,
038.013 And Thamud, and the people of Lut, and the Companions of the Wood; - such were the Confederates.
038.014 Not one (of them) but rejected the apostles, but My punishment came justly and inevitably (on them).
038.015 These (today) only wait for a single mighty Blast, which (when it comes) will brook no delay.
038.016 They say: "Our Lord! hasten to us our sentence (even) before the Day of Account!"
038.017 Have patience at what they say, and remember our servant David, the man of strength: for he ever turned (to
God).
038.018 It was We that made the hills declare, in unison with him, Our Praises, at eventide and at break of day,
038.019 And the birds gathered (in assemblies): all with him did turn (to God).
038.020 We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and sound judgment in speech and decision.
038.021 Has the Story of the Disputants reached thee? Behold, they climbed over the wall of the private chamber;
038.022 When they entered the presence of David, and he was terrified of them, they said: "Fear not: we are two
disputants, one of whom has wronged the other: Decide now between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, but
guide us to the even Path..
038.023 "This man is my brother: He has nine and ninety ewes, and I have (but) one: Yet he says, 'commit her to my
care,' and is (moreover) harsh to me in speech."
038.024 (David) said: "He has undoubtedly wronged thee in demanding thy (single) ewe to be added to his (flock of)
ewes: truly many are the partners (in business) who wrong each other: Not so do those who believe and work deeds
of righteousness, and how few are they?"...and David gathered that We had tried him: he asked forgiveness of his Lord,
fell down, bowing (in prostration), and turned (to God in repentance).
038.025 So We forgave him this (lapse): he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and a beautiful place of (Final)
Return.
038.026 O David! We did indeed make thee a vicegerent on earth: so judge thou between men in truth (and justice):
Nor follow thou the lusts (of thy heart), for they will mislead thee from the Path of God: for those who wander astray
from the Path of God, is a Penalty Grievous, for that they forget the Day of Account.
038.027 Not without purpose did We create heaven and earth and all between! that were the thought of Unbelievers!
but woe to the Unbelievers because of the Fire (of Hell)!
038.028 Shall We treat those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, the same as those who do mischief on
earth? Shall We treat those who guard against evil, the same as those who turn aside from the right?
038.029 (Here is) a Book which We have sent down unto thee, full of blessings, that they may mediate on its Signs,
and that men of understanding may receive admonition.
038.030 To David We gave Solomon (for a son),- How excellent in Our service! Ever did he turn (to Us)!
038.031 Behold, there were brought before him, at eventide coursers of the highest breeding, and swift of foot;
038.032 And he said, "Truly do I love the love of good, with a view to the glory of my Lord,"- until (the sun) was hidden
in the veil (of night):
038.033 "Bring them back to me." then began he to pass his hand over (their) legs and their necks.
038.034 And We did try Solomon: We placed on his throne a body (without life); but he did turn (to Us in true
devotion):
038.035 He said, "O my Lord! Forgive me, and grant me a kingdom which, (it may be), suits not another after me: for
Thou art the Grantor of Bounties (without measure).
038.036 Then We subjected the wind to his power, to flow gently to his order, Whithersoever he willed,-