And when He reassured him; He threatened those who opposed him and disobeyed him; by what He did to those nations. He said - directing the words to individuals; to dispel any confusion; indicating with a tool of delay that the length of respite should be a reason for repentance; not for being deceived by the assumption of neglect -: ﴿Then I took﴾; meaning: by types of taking; ﴿those who disbelieved﴾; meaning: those who concealed those illuminating signs; after the long patience of the messengers upon them; and their supplication for them. And since the taking of those who recounted their stories among the Arabs was famous; and it was in forms of punishment that were astonishing; it caused the question about it; by saying: ﴿So how was My denial﴾; meaning: My denial against them; that is, it is a denial that requires questioning about its nature; due to its horror; and its greatness; as Al-Qushayri said: And if they persist in their tradition of misguidance, you will not find any change in Our tradition in vengeance; and disgrace.