Overall meaning : The Almighty informs us that when Musa’s anger abated, he picked up the Tablets which he had thrown down. He also states that in their inscription was guidance and mercy for those who fear their Lord and show reverence to Him.
Moses chose from among his people seventy men for the time and place Allah had appointed for them; and when the earthquake overtook them, Moses prayed, 'My Lord, if You had willed, You could have destroyed them long before, and me as well. Would you destroy us for what the foolish among us have done?! These foolish people’s worship of the calf was only a trial from You by which You lead astray whomever You please and guide whomever You please. You are our protector and the disposer of our affairs. Forgive us, therefore, and have mercy on us, for You are the best of those who forgive. Ordain for us what is good, both in this life and in the life to come; We have turned to You in repentance.’
Allah Almighty replied, 'I will inflict My punishment in this life on whom I will from among those who deserve it, but My mercy in this life encompasses all my creation; so I will ordain it for those who do what I command, avoid what I forbid, pay the zakat prescribed for them and believe in Our signs and revelations—those who follow Muhammad, the Messenger and illiterate Prophet, whose description they find clearly written in the Torah and the Gospel. He enjoins on them good, forbids them evil, makes lawful what is good and pure, forbids them what is bad and impure and relieves them of their arduous religious obligations, which were like heavy fetters around their necks. Those, therefore, who believe in him, honour him, support him and follow the Qur’an which Allah has sent down on him will surely be successful.