And had it not been for a Word that went forth before from your Lord, and a term determined (their punishment), must necessarily have come (in this world).This means that if it were not for the Word that had already preceded from Allah -- that He would not punish anyone until the proof had been established against him and the punishment would take place at an appointed time that He has already determined for these rejecters -- then the punishment would certainly seize them immediately.The Command to be patient and perform the Five daily Prayers Allah comforts His Prophet by saying to him