﴿ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَانَت تَّأْتِيهِمْ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلْبَيِّنَٰتِ فَكَفَرُوا۟ فَأَخَذَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ قَوِىٌّۭ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ ﴾

“this, because their apostles had come to them with all evidence of the truth, and yet they rejected it: and so God took them to task - for, verily, He is powerful, severe in retribution!”

(That) punishment in the life of this world (was because their messengers kept bringing them clear proofs) of commands and prohibitions as well as signs (but they disbelieved) in the messengers and in the message they brought; (so Allah seized them) with punishment. (Lo! He is Strong) when He seizes, (Severe in punishment) towards whoever He punishes.