And when it was as if it was said: What did they respond to this statement? It was said: They said, at a time when their words would be of no benefit at the time of the descent of the calamity: O woe to us. This indicates that it has befallen them, for only the close one is called upon. And it is out of compassion for him, just as a person says to someone who strikes him: O my master - as if he is seeking help from him to stop it. And this is foolishness on their part, and blindness to what has befallen them, for they are like animals that do not look beyond the nearest cause. Then they justified its occurrence among them, emphasizing their compassion by saying: Indeed, we were, meaning by nature and disposition, wrongdoers, as we denied the messengers and disobeyed the command of our Lord. So they confessed at a time when their confession would not benefit them due to the passing of its opportunity.