Surah Ash-Shu'ara Verse 200

3229 "Thus" I think means through the medium of the Arabic language and the Arab people. The Qur'an penetrated through their language and their hearts. If the hardhearted among them did not believe, they will see when the Penalty comes, how grievous a mistake they made. For the Penalty must come; even when they least expected it. They will be caught saying or thinking, "There is plenty of time; we can get another respite," when already it will have become too late for them to turn over a new leaf.