97 Ar. Shechinah. See Freytag Lex. in v. This word, as well as the Arabic word for ark (p. 95, n.) betray in their form a Rabbinic origin. 98 The shoes and rod of Moses, the mitre of Aaron, the vase of manna, the fragments of the two tables of the law. 99 Observe the confusion between Gideon and Saul. 100 See verse 81. 101 The drift of these words, which are of such frequent recurrence in the Koran, is, that the former revelations had been abused, and instead of leading them to Islam broke them up into sects and dissentient parties. 102 This verse must have been revealed before Muhammad felt himself secure in his new position at Medina. 103 A name applied to an idol or idols especially Allat and Ozza, the ancient idols of the Meccans. The termination of the word Thagout is more Hebraic than pure Arabic, and literally means error. 104 Nimrod. 105 Ozair or Esdras doubted whether Jerusalem could be rebuilt after its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar, and the miracle here narrated, was wrought for his assurance. The fable has its origin in the circuit made by Nehemiah around the ruined city. Neh. ii. 13. 106 Lit. it was falling on its roofs. 107 Comp. Gen. xv. 9. 108 That is, Satan would dissuade you from liberal contributions by instilling the fear of poverty. 109 Comp. Matt. vi. 3, 4. 110 This contradicts verse 254, as well as several verses in Sura [1viii.] xix. SURA XCVIII.–CLEAR EVIDENCE [XCII.] MEDINA.–8 Verses In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful THE unbelievers among the people of the Book, and the Polytheists, did not waver, until the CLEAR EVIDENCE had come to them; A messenger from God, reciting to them the pure pages wherein are true Scriptures! Neither were they to whom the Scriptures were given divided into sects, till after this clear evidence had reached them! Yet was not aught enjoined on them but to worship God with sincere religion, sound in faith; and to observe prayer and pay the stated alms. For this is true religion. But the unbelievers among the people of the Book, and among the Polytheists, shall go into the fire of Gehenna to abide therein for aye. Of all creatures are they the worst! But they who believe and do the things that are right–these of all creatures are the best! Their recompense with their Lord shall be gardens of Eden, 'neath which the rivers flow, in which they shall abide for evermore. God is well pleased in them and they in Him! This, for him who feareth his Lord. SURA LXIV.–MUTUAL DECEIT [XCIII.] MEDINA.1–18 Verses In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful ALL that is in the Heavens, and all that is in the Earth, praiseth God: His the Kingdom and His the Glory! And He hath power over all things! It is He who hath created you all; yet some of you are infidel and others believers: but God beholdeth all your actions. He hath created the Heavens and the Earth in Truth; and He hath fashioned you and given you goodly forms; and to Him must ye all return.