And when it was that one might imagine that He, glorified and exalted is He, is not characterized by might due to their not being compelled to believe, or by mercy due to His destruction of them, He said: "And indeed, your Lord is the Mighty." This means: nothing escapes His grasp and will. He is the One who intended for them disbelief. "The Merciful" in that He did not destroy anyone until He sent to them a Messenger who clarified for them what He, glorified and exalted is He, approves of and what displeases Him. He conveyed His warning to them until He established the proof by that. Then He, glorified and exalted is He, leads astray whom He wills due to what you know of his nature that necessitates misery, and He guides whom He knows of them to goodness for what pleases Him, thus resulting in his happiness. In His repeated mention of this verse at the end of each story, it serves as an emphasis and follows what it indicates regarding the disbelief of those who came after its companions, without taking heed of their condition, nor turning away from similar misguidance, for fear of a similar punishment. This is the greatest consolation for this noble Prophet, and a warning for every knowledgeable and forbearing person, and an appeal for every sound-hearted person. For this reason, He said, continuing with the story.