Surah Ghafir (The Forgiver) 40 : 37

Explanatory Note

It appears then that the believer's argument was so convincing and hard-hitting that Pharaoh and his courtiers could not totally ignore it. Therefore, Pharaoh tried to find a way out: Pharaoh said 'Haman.' Build me a lofty tower that I may attain the right means; the means of approach to the heavens, so that I may have a look at this god of Moses. I am convinced that he is lying.' Thus, goodly seemed to Pharaoh the evil of his deed, and he was barred from the right path. Pharaoh's scheming led only to ruin. (Verses 36-37)

Thus, Pharaoh instructed Haman, his minister, to build him a very high tower so that he might climb and look into the heavens searching for Moses' God. He also added: I am convinced he is lying.' Pharaoh resorted to this manoeuvring so that he did not have to face the truth which would compel him to acknowledge God's oneness. Such acknowledgement would lose him his throne and dispel the legends upon which his kingdom was based. It is improbable that such was Pharaoh's understanding, or that he seriously wanted to look for Moses' God in this stupid, physical way. In fact, Pharaoh would have attained a high standard of education and knowledge. Therefore, his words really betray his ridicule on the one hand and trickery on the other. He wanted to deceive people into thinking that he was fair-minded, willing to test Moses' claims. Or perhaps this manoeuvre was meant as a retreat in the face of the strong logic advanced by the believer. Whatever is the truth behind his actions, all these possibilities indicate that he persisted in his erring ways, arrogantly denying the truth. "Thus, goodly seemed to Pharaoh the evil of his deed, and he was barred from the right path." He deserved to be so barred, having chosen to persist with falsehood and deviancy. The sfirah's comment makes clear that such scheming can only lead to failure and utter loss. "Pharaoh's scheming led only to ruin."

Faced with such thoughtless and devious manoeuvring, the believer makes his final say clear, free of ambiguity. He calls on his people to follow him in pursuing the right course leading to God.