And when the meaning was that we do not leave you as mere strays, it was as if it were said: 'How far from you! We will surely elevate you as we elevated the children of Isaac from Israel and Jesus, blessings and peace be upon them. Indeed, We have sent to you a messenger who is the noblest of you in lineage, the purest of you in soul, the highest of you in ambition, the most sound of you in mind, the most trustworthy among you, the most generous in character, and the most honorable among you in kinship.' So he softened his words as a means of comfort for the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, and as consolation and solace: 'And how many messengers have We sent,' meaning according to Our power over that and the magnificent greatness that necessitates it.

And when the sending occurs in various forms, He distinguished it by saying: 'from a prophet among the earlier ones.'