So it is as if it were said: What did Pharaoh say in response to this clear matter? It was said: "He said," turning away from it, obscuring it out of fear of its consequences among those who truly know Musa, blessings and peace be upon him, expressing doubt to stop them: "If you have come with a sign," meaning: a proof of the validity of your message, "then bring it." He implied that he did not understand except that the intended meaning was that he would establish it without there being any indication in his previous words of his truthfulness. He emphasized the ambiguity and doubt with his saying: "If you are among the truthful," meaning: among the people of true sincerity in it, so that your claim may be valid with me and be established.