Overall meaning : Have the stories of the unbelievers from the past nations before you not reached you, idolaters? They tasted the evil consequences of their unbelief: Allah destroyed them in this life, and a painful punishment is yet in store for them in the next.
This they suffered because their messengers brought them evident proofs of their truthfulness, but they denied them, saying, ‘What! Will human beings like ourselves guide us to the right way?!’ Thus they disbelieved and turned away from the truth, but Allah was in no need of them and their faith. Indeed, Allah is Self-Sufficient and ever to be praised with regard to His words, deeds and attributes. He also praises those who are deserving of praise from among His servants.
The unbelievers falsely claim that Allah will not raise them to life! Say to them, Muhammad, ‘Yes, indeed! I swear by my Lord that you will certainly be raised from the dead, and you will certainly be informed of all the deeds you have done. That is easy for Allah.’
Believe, then, all mankind, in Allah and His Messenger, and in the Qur’an which We have revealed. Allah is fully aware of all your actions, and He will repay you according to them.