Surah Al A'raf Tafseer

قَالُواْ أُوذِينَا مِن قَبْلِ أَن تَأْتِينَا وَمِن بَعْدِ مَا جِيْتَنَا

"Verily, the earth is Allah's. He gives it as a heritage to whom He wills of His servants; and the (blessed) end is for the pious and righteous persons."

They said:"We suffered troubles before you came to us, and since you have come to us."

The Children of Israel replied to Musa, `they (Fir`awn and his people) inflicted humiliation and disgrace on us, some you witnessed, both before and after you came to us, O Musa'!

Musa replied, reminding them of their present situation and how it will change in the future,

قَالَ عَسَى رَبُّكُمْ أَن يُهْلِكَ عَدُوَّكُمْ

"It may be that your Lord will destroy your enemy. .."

encouraging them to appreciate Allah when the afflictions are removed and replaced by a bounty.

وَيَسْتَخْلِفَكُمْ فِي الَارْضِ

فَيَنظُرَ كَيْفَ تَعْمَلُونَ

and make you successors on the earth, so that He may see how you act!"