Allah then mentions the covenant He undertook with them, saying (And when We made a covenant with you) took your consent (and caused the Mount to tower above you) pulled out and fixed high above your heads the mountain for taking the covenant: (Hold fast that which We have given you) comply with what We have given of the scripture in earnestness and diligence, (and remember that which is therein) of reward and chastisement, and recollect what is in it of the lawful and unlawful, (that ye may ward off (evil)) in order that you may ward off Allah's wrath and torment and so that you may obey Him.