ذٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُم كانَت تَأتيهِم رُسُلُهُم بِالبَيِّناتِ فَكَفَروا فَأَخَذَهُمُ اللَّهُ ۚ إِنَّهُ قَوِيٌّ شَديدُ العِقابِ

That was because their messengers were coming to them with clear proofs, but they disbelieved, so Allah seized them. Indeed, He is Powerful and severe in punishment.