47أَو يَأخُذَهُم عَلىٰ تَخَوُّفٍ فَإِنَّ رَبَّكُم لَرَءوفٌ رَحيمٌ(Saheeh International)Or that He would not seize them gradually [in a state of dread]?1 But indeed, your Lord is Kind and Merciful.2 i.e., being aware of what is about to strike them after having seen those near them succumb.Postponing deserved punishment and giving opportunities for repentance.