Al-Jaathiya (Crouching)

16. And verily We gave the Children of Israel the Scripture, and the understanding of the scripture and its laws, and the Prophethood, and provided them with pleasant [provisions], and preferred them above the people of the time.

The Children of Israel failed to benefit from the Divine Favors mentioned in the Verse in question; as a result of their disobedience and wrong doing, their exalted station turned into humility and damnation. This blessed Verse enumerates certain Divine Bounties some of which were bestowed on the Children of Israel and the offspring of Jacob (Ya’qub).

Firstly, the Torah, embracing theoretical and practical wisdom, was sent down for them.

Secondly, prophets like David (Da’ud), Solomon (Sulayman), Moses (Musa), and Jesus (‘Ïsa) were appointed from amongst them. It is reported that one thousand prophets were appointed for their guidance between Moses and Jesus.

Thirdly, they were provided with pleasant provisions like manna and salwa. Fourthly, they were granted superiority and privileges above all peoples of the time and such superiority and privileges are among the best Bounties bestowed on them.