(87) “We certainly gave Moses the Scripture and sent messengers in succession after him. We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Why is it that whenever a messenger came to you with what your souls did not desire, you grew arrogant, denying some and killing others?”

Allah Most High reminds the Children of Israel of His favor in sending them Moses, to whom He spoke, and giving him the Torah. He then sent messengers in succession after him who judged according to the Torah, until He concluded their line of prophets with Jesus, son of Mary, peace be upon him. He gave him such clear signs as would lead people to believe, “and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit,” meaning that Allah strengthened him through the Holy Spirit.

Most commentators said that this was Gabriel, peace be upon him. It was also said that it was the faith through which Allah strengthens His servants.

Yet despite these immeasurable blessings, whenever they came to you “with what your souls did not desire, you grew arrogant” and refused to believe in them: “Some” of them “you denied, and others you killed.” Thus, you placed your desires before guidance and preferred this world to the Hereafter. The unmistakable rebuke and stern warning in this are evident.