In the verses above, a different form of Pharaoh's arrogance is made apparent. When summoned to comply with Allah's commands, he immediately resorted to foolish methods. Verbal abuse was one such ruse. By reminding Musa (peace and blessings be upon him) that he had been brought up in the palace, Pharaoh attempted to remind him of the loyalty he owed him. Furthermore, Pharaoh tried to coerce him by mentioning the Egyptian man whom Musa had unintentionally killed when he was ignorant of the religion. In this way, he foolishly intended to abase Musa (peace and blessings be upon him) and to exalt himself before him and his people.

Pharaoh was so arrogant that, only by murdering Musa (peace and blessings be upon him) could he find relief. His belligerent attitude was also a revolt against Allah. Aware of Musa's finer qualities, he felt jealous of him, and saw killing him as the only way to maintain his authority over the people of Egypt. When faced with Pharaoh's insolence, Musa maintained a composure that was truly exemplary, he would continually seek refuge in Allah.

The above mentioned verse also draws our attention to Pharaoh's disbelief in the Day of Reckoning. One's disbelief in the books sent by Allah and of the Day of Reckoning, which has been proclaimed by Allah's messengers, is another sign of a person's insolence and arrogance. However, such arrogant people will only suffer greatly in the hereafter, just as Pharaoh did.

What Pharaoh stated in the verses above, in addition to the manner of his struggle with Allah, exemplifies his audacity. Moreover, he even resorted to force and threatened his own people, as well as Musa (peace and blessings be upon him), to submit to his claim as follows:

These verses make light of Pharaoh's claim of divinity and his struggle with Allah. Pharaoh first posed a question about Allah, whose basis was evil. His arrogance was so overwhelming that he was determined to refuse Musa's answer, no matter what. He was insistent on denying Allah's might, despite all the signs he witnessed. Pharaoh responded to the message of Allah, communicated to him by Musa, with threats and abuse; he was angered to hear that Allah was the Lord of all humanity, both of the past and present.

Pharaoh's insolence led him to accuse the messenger of insanity. Because he lacked wisdom, a quality that only believers have, he engaged himself in a struggle with Musa, yet, failed to remember one important fact — that Allah was the protector of Musa (peace and blessings be upon him), the sole possessor of everything, including Pharaoh himself, as well as all that he possessed.

After first listening to the message of Allah that had been communicated through the Prophet Musa, Pharaoh asked him to perform a miracle. Pharaoh trusted in the skills of his magicians and wanted Musa (peace and blessings be upon him) to confront his magicians. Pharaoh was certain that he would gain the ultimate victory. In his opinion, a successful confrontation would secure his authority. However, the magicians' performance was mere sorcery, which the miracle performed by the Prophet Musa rendered void. Thus, Pharaoh was defeated. Yet, instead of acquiescing and accepting to be rightly guided, he became still more arrogant.

Witnessing the miracle performed by Musa (peace and blessings be upon him), the magicians embraced faith and came to believe in the God of Musa. Nevertheless, their choice had no impact whatsoever on the hardened heart of Pharaoh. Rather, as we see in the following verses, he decided to use force: