Overall meaning : Allah Almighty points out that He brought the Children of Israel across the sea after destroying their enemies, Pharaoh and his people, and they came upon some people who worshipped some idols of theirs instead of Allah. They said to Moses, 'Make us a god just as they have gods.’ He said. 'You are indeed an ignorant people. What these idolaters are doing is doomed to destruction and false and vain is the idol-worship in which they have been engaged, as it will not benefit them in any way.’
Appalled at their request, he disapprovingly said to them, 'What, shall I seek a god for you other than Allah, who has preferred you above all nations of your time?!’
Then, reminding the Children of Israel of the great blessings He had bestowed upon them, Allah Almighty says: Remember when we delivered you from Pharaoh and his people, who subjected you to cruel suffering, killing your baby boys and sparing your baby girls to enslave and violate their honour. Surely that was a great trial by your Lord.