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We inspired your mother, saying,

“Put your child into the chest, then place him in the river. Let the river wash him on to its bank, and he will be taken in by an enemy of Mine and his.” I showered you with My love and planned that you should be reared under My watchful eye.

Your sister went out, saying, “I will tell you someone who will nurse him,” then We returned you to your mother so that she could rejoice and not grieve. Later you killed a man, but We saved you from distress and tried you with other tests. You stayed among the people of Midian for years, then you came here as I ordained.

I have chosen you for Myself.

Go, you and your brother, with My signs, and make sure that you remember Me.

Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has exceeded all bounds.

Speak to him gently so that he may take heed, or show respect.’

They said, ‘Lord, we fear he will do us great harm or exceed all bounds.’

He said, ‘Do not be afraid, I am with you both, hearing and seeing everything.

Go and tell him, “We are your Lord’s mes-sengers, so send the Children of Israel with us and do not oppress them. We have brought you a sign from your Lord. Peace be upon whoever follows the right guidance;

it has been revealed to us that punishment falls on whoever rejects the truth and turns his back on it.”’

[Pharaoh] said, ‘Moses, who is this Lord of yours?’

Moses said, ‘Our Lord is He who gave everything its form, then gave it guidance.’

He said, ‘What about former generations?’