CHAP. XCVIII.
Intitled, The Evidence
[a]
; where it was revealed is disputed.
In the name of the most merciful God.
[a] Some entitle this chapter, from the first words, Did not.
[b] Did not stagger;] i.e. Did not waver in their religion, or in their promises to follow the truth, when an apostle should come unto them. For the commentators pretend that before the appearance of Mohammed, the Jews and Christians, as well as the worshippers of idols, unanimously believed and expected the coming of that prophet, until which time they declared they would persevere in their respective religions, and then would follow him; but when he came, they rejected him through envy [1] .
[1] Iidem.
[c] Viz. Mohammed, or the Korân.
[a] Were given divided among themselves, until after the clear evidence had come unto them;] But when the promised apostle was sent, and the truth became manifest to them, they withstood the clearest conviction, differing from one another in their opinions; some believing and acknowledging Mohammed to be the prophet foretold in the scriptures, and others denying it [1] .
[1] Iidem.
[b] They were commanded no other in the scriptures than to worship God, &c.] But these divine precepts in the law and the gospel have they corrupted, changed, and violated [2] .
[2] Iidem.