(And if We had decreed for them) as We decreed for the Children of Israel: (Lay down your lives or go forth from your dwellings) empty handed, (but few of them) among the sincere ones, i.e. their leader Thabit Ibn Qays Ibn Shammas al-Ansari (would have done it) with a good disposition of the soul; (though if they) the hypocrites (did what they are exhorted) commanded (to do) of repentance and sincerity (it would be better for them) in the Hereafter than the condition they are in secret, (and more strengthening) and more real in this world;