The expressions utilized in these verses reveal the fact...

The expressions utilized in these verses reveal the fact that they signify miracles which were mentioned in connection with Pharaoh and the adherents of Pharaoh, and not the ones which were involved with the Children of Israel themselves, like the descending of ‘Mann and Salwa’, and the emergence of the spring from a stone, and the like.

Considering this point, one can claim that the five topics which are dealt with in verse 133 of Surah Al-’A‘raf, are among these nine signs: Storm, plant-pest, locusts, over reproduction of frogs, and blood.

Undoubtedly, the two famous miracles of Mūsa (as), that is, the issue of the ‘stick’, and the ‘white hand’ are among the nine signs, specially, it is noteworthy that we find verses 10 to 12 of Surah An-Nahl the same expression of the ‘nine signs’, which are mentioned after the statement of these two great miracles. These all make up the seven supernatural or ‘extraordinary events’. Now, let us turn to the other two verses.

Undoubtedly, the drowning of the people of Pharaoh, and the like, cannot be included among these signs, for the goal of explaining of the signs is to guide the people of the Pharaoh and not those which caused their destruction and extermination.

Concentrating on Surah Al-’A‘raf, in which we find many of these verses, exhibits the fact that the objective in mind of the other two signs have been the ‘draught’ and ‘the shortage of all kinds of fruits’, for after the miracle of the stick and the ‘white hand’ and before the mentioning of the five signs of the storm and the locust, the holy verse says: “And certainly We afflicted the clan of Pharaoh with drought and scarcity of fruits, so that they may take admonition.” [^14] The second point: who is the one questioning the Prophet (S)?

Apparently, the verses show that the Prophet (S) was commissioned to investigate from the Children of Israel about the nine signs which were revealed to Moses (as), asking them about how the people of the Pharaoh rejected the authenticity of the call of Moses (as) despite all those clear signs under so many different pretexts.

But, as such a person like the Prophet (S) did not require putting to them such a query despite all his knowledge and wisdom; some commentators have still regarded other addressees as the agents who have put the question to them.