This verse gives an instance of those whose characters were mentioned in the previous verses - the children of Israel - who were shown so many miracles and clear signs, and yet they went after their own ways, and preferred their own fancies over the truth that came to them through the scripture! So they sought excuses and adhered to some childish pretexts - and so do people of all ages, and hence the verse: ``Ask the children of Israel how many a clear sign have We sent to them?''

      But they ignored and repudiated the signs, and miracles and paid no heed to such great favours that their Lord bestowed on them. They even used the bounties of Allah in wrong ways to please their caprices in, though they should have known that: ``Whoever changes the favour of Allah after it has come to him, Allah is strict in punishment.'' That is to say God's retribution is stern and His justice is sure, when it comes it will be strict and unmistakable to those who change His Grace, and misuse HIS favour.

      By changing the favour and bounties of God, it means to use the physical and spiritual resources and abilities in a wrong way, and for sinful purposes. This was not only done by the Israelites who are exemplified here, and rather so do it people of all ages. Now a days, our industrial world is afflicted by such misfortunes, because the favours and the graces of God, which are bestowed to mankind through science and knowledge, have been badly changed. Science came down to serve man but changed the man to its servant, and now man is the slave of his factory and industry! Now man uses his unique power of science and technique to either enslave other men, or to destroy and annihilate his kind! Man uses his physical and scientific power to extend oppression and injustice, and he should come to know that God's punishment is sure and stern!