batch.motif.islamic-koran-sale-gutenberg-l27602-l27686
---
record_id: batch.motif.islamic-koran-sale-gutenberg-l27602-l27686
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-sale.md
passage_locator:
label: CHAPTER XXVI. / IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD. / CHAPTER XXVII. /
IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD.; lines 27602-27686
start: '27602'
end: '27686'
translation: The Koran (Al-Qur'an)
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: The passage opens Sura 27 by describing the Qur'an as guidance and warning,
contrasts believers with those who deny the life to come, recounts Moses' encounter
with fire, the divine voice, the rod-serpent sign and white hand sign for Pharaoh,
then turns to David and Solomon, Solomon's knowledge of bird speech, his organized
armies, the ant's warning in the valley of ants, Solomon's prayer of gratitude,
and the lapwing's report of a woman ruling Saba with a magnificent throne.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: The passage describes the Qur'an and perspicuous book as signs, direction,
and good tidings for true believers.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: True believers are described as performing prayer, giving alms, and believing
firmly in the life to come.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:3
text: Those who do not believe in the life to come are said to face evil punishment
and loss.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:4
text: Moses tells his family that he perceives fire and intends to bring tidings
or a lighted brand.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:5
text: When Moses comes near the fire, a voice addresses him and identifies God as
mighty and wise.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:6
text: Moses is commanded to cast down his rod; when it moves as though it were a
serpent, he retreats and flees.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:7
text: Moses is commanded to put his hand into his bosom so that it comes forth white
without hurt, as one of nine signs to Pharaoh and his people.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:8
text: Visible signs come to Pharaoh's people, but they call them manifest sorcery
and deny them out of iniquity and pride.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:9
text: Knowledge is said to have been bestowed on David and Solomon, who praise God
for favoring them above many faithful servants.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:10
text: Solomon is described as David's heir and says that he has been taught the
speech of birds.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:11
text: Solomon's armies are gathered from genii, men, and birds and are led in distinct
bands.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:12
text: In the valley of ants, an ant warns the ants to enter their habitations lest
Solomon and his army tread on them unknowingly.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:13
text: Solomon smiles at the ant's words and prays to be thankful, to act rightly,
and to be introduced into paradise among the righteous.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:14
text: Solomon notices the absence of the lapwing and threatens chastisement or death
unless she brings a just excuse.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:15
text: The lapwing reports that she has viewed a country unknown to Solomon and brings
news from Saba of a woman who reigns there and has a magnificent throne.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: God
description: The divine speaker who gives or reveals the Qur'an, addresses Moses,
grants knowledge, and is praised by David and Solomon.
role_refs:
- role:1
- role:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Moses
description: A prophetic figure who perceives fire, approaches it, hears the divine
voice, receives signs, and is sent with signs to Pharaoh and his people.
role_refs:
- role:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Moses's family
description: The family to whom Moses speaks when he perceives fire and seeks tidings
or warmth.
role_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: Pharaoh and his people
description: The recipients of the nine signs, described as wicked; the people deny
visible signs as sorcery.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: David
description: A figure on whom knowledge is bestowed and father or predecessor of
Solomon.
role_refs:
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: Solomon
description: David's heir, a recipient of knowledge, speaker of bird speech, commander
of armies, hearer of the ant's warning, and questioner of the lapwing.
role_refs:
- role:5
- role:6
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: Solomon's armies
description: Armies gathered to Solomon, consisting of genii, men, and birds, led
in distinct bands.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: The ant
description: An ant in the valley of ants who warns other ants to enter their habitations
before Solomon's armies arrive.
role_refs:
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: fig:9
name_or_label: The lapwing
description: A bird absent from Solomon's review who returns with news from Saba.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: fig:10
name_or_label: Woman ruling Saba
description: A woman reported by the lapwing to reign over Saba, provided with everything
requisite for a prince and possessing a magnificent throne.
role_refs:
- role:11
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: fig:11
name_or_label: True believers
description: Those described as praying, giving alms, and believing in the life
to come.
role_refs:
- role:12
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: fig:12
name_or_label: Those who do not believe in the life to come
description: Those described as astonished at resurrection and subject to punishment
and loss.
role_refs:
- role:13
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
roles:
- id: role:1
label: divine revealer and judge
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: The passage says the Qur'an is received from a wise, knowing God and describes
God preparing outcomes for unbelievers.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: role:2
label: divine speaker at fire
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: A voice near the fire identifies itself as God and commands Moses.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: role:3
label: prophetic sign-bearer
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Moses receives the rod-serpent sign and white hand sign as part of nine signs
to Pharaoh and his people.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: role:4
label: opponents who deny signs
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: The visible signs are called sorcery and denied out of pride and iniquity.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: role:5
label: recipient of divinely bestowed knowledge
assigned_to:
- fig:5
- fig:6
basis: Knowledge is bestowed on David and Solomon, who praise God for this favor.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: role:6
label: royal heir
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: The passage states that Solomon was David's heir.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: role:7
label: commander and wise interpreter of animal speech
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: Solomon commands armies including birds, understands the ant's words, and
has been taught the speech of birds.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: role:8
label: ordered host
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: The armies consist of genii, men, and birds and are led in distinct bands.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: role:9
label: animal warner
assigned_to:
- fig:8
basis: The ant warns other ants to enter their habitations to avoid being trampled.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: role:10
label: bird scout and messenger
assigned_to:
- fig:9
basis: The lapwing returns with news from Saba about a country Solomon had not viewed.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: role:11
label: foreign female ruler
assigned_to:
- fig:10
basis: The lapwing reports a woman reigning over Saba with princely resources and
a magnificent throne.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: role:12
label: pious believers
assigned_to:
- fig:11
basis: They pray, give alms, and firmly believe in the life to come.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: role:13
label: unbelievers facing punishment
assigned_to:
- fig:12
basis: They do not believe in the life to come and are said to face punishment and
loss.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: fire at the divine encounter
literal_form: fire perceived by Moses, approached before the divine voice speaks
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs:
- fire
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: sym:2
label: rod moving like a serpent
literal_form: Moses's rod cast down, moving as though it were a serpent
associated_figures:
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs:
- serpent
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: sym:3
label: white hand without hurt
literal_form: Moses's hand placed in his bosom and brought forth white without injury
associated_figures:
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: sym:4
label: nine signs
literal_form: nine signs given to Moses for Pharaoh and his people
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: sym:5
label: speech of birds
literal_form: knowledge by which Solomon says he has been taught the speech of birds
associated_figures:
- fig:6
- fig:9
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:6
- id: sym:6
label: valley of ants
literal_form: a valley inhabited by ants reached by Solomon's armies
associated_figures:
- fig:6
- fig:7
- fig:8
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: sym:7
label: magnificent throne
literal_form: the throne of the woman reigning over Saba
associated_figures:
- fig:10
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: sym:8
label: life to come and paradise
literal_form: the life to come contrasted with punishment and Solomon's prayer to
enter paradise among the righteous
associated_figures:
- fig:6
- fig:11
- fig:12
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:5
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Guidance and warning concerning the life to come
summary: The Qur'an is described as signs and guidance for believers, while those
who do not believe in the life to come are described as facing punishment and
loss.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:11
- fig:12
symbol_refs:
- sym:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: scene:2
label: Moses at the fire receives divine signs
summary: Moses sees fire, approaches it, hears the divine voice, casts down the
rod that moves like a serpent, and receives the white hand sign as one of nine
signs.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:2
- sym:3
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: scene:3
label: Signs denied as sorcery
summary: The signs come to Pharaoh's people, but they call them sorcery and deny
them despite inward knowledge.
figure_refs:
- fig:4
symbol_refs:
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: scene:4
label: Knowledge and inheritance of David and Solomon
summary: David and Solomon receive knowledge and praise God; Solomon is described
as David's heir and as taught the speech of birds.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:5
- fig:6
symbol_refs:
- sym:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: scene:5
label: Solomon's army and the ant's warning
summary: Solomon's armies of genii, men, and birds reach the valley of ants; an
ant warns the ants, and Solomon prays in gratitude and for entrance into paradise.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:6
- fig:7
- fig:8
symbol_refs:
- sym:6
- sym:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: scene:6
label: Lapwing reports the queen of Saba
summary: Solomon notices the lapwing's absence and threatens punishment unless justified;
the lapwing returns with news of a woman ruling Saba with a magnificent throne.
figure_refs:
- fig:6
- fig:9
- fig:10
symbol_refs:
- sym:5
- sym:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: divine judgment in the life to come
taxonomy_refs:
- divine_judgment
basis: The passage contrasts believers who affirm the life to come with those who
deny it and face punishment and loss.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
confidence: high
cautions: The passage is doctrinal and warning-oriented rather than a narrative
judgment scene.
- id: motif:2
label: divine encounter at a mysterious fire
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Moses perceives fire, approaches it, and hears the divine voice identify
God and give commands.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
confidence: high
cautions: No explicit taxonomy motif family for theophany is supplied; only the
fire symbol is available.
- id: motif:3
label: miraculous serpent-like sign
taxonomy_refs:
- serpent
basis: Moses's rod moves as though it were a serpent after he casts it down.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
confidence: high
cautions: The passage says the rod moved as though it were a serpent; it does not
dwell on a serpent as an independent figure.
- id: motif:4
label: prophetic signs rejected as sorcery
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: The signs given to Moses are brought to Pharaoh's people, who call them manifest
sorcery and deny them.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
confidence: high
cautions: No supplied taxonomy family directly names rejection of prophetic signs.
- id: motif:5
label: divinely granted wisdom and animal speech
taxonomy_refs:
- wisdom
basis: Knowledge is bestowed on David and Solomon; Solomon says he has been taught
the speech of birds and understands the ant's words.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
confidence: high
cautions: Animal speech is explicit, but its classification under wisdom is interpretive.
- id: motif:6
label: royal inheritance and legitimacy
taxonomy_refs:
- royal_legitimacy
basis: Solomon is described as David's heir, and the passage associates him with
knowledge, command of armies, and divine favor.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage states inheritance but does not provide an extended coronation
or legitimacy contest.
- id: motif:7
label: animal messenger bringing distant royal news
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: The lapwing returns from Saba with news of a woman ruling there and possessing
a magnificent throne.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
confidence: high
cautions: No supplied taxonomy family specifically covers animal messenger or reconnaissance.
- id: motif:8
label: foreign queen with magnificent throne
taxonomy_refs:
- royal_legitimacy
basis: The lapwing reports a woman reigning over Saba, provided with princely resources
and a magnificent throne.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
confidence: medium
cautions: Royal status is explicit, but the passage excerpt ends before any interaction
or validation of her rule.
comparison_claims:
- id: claim:1
claim: The passage's editorial note points to chapter 20 for the Moses fire episode,
supporting a recurrence of the same Moses-at-fire narrative within the translated
corpus.
claim_level: same_motif
target: Moses perceiving fire and encountering the divine voice in chapter 20 of
the same translation
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:7
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: medium
limitations: The compared chapter text is not included in the supplied passage;
the claim relies on the passage's own cross-reference note.
- id: claim:2
claim: The passage's editorial note points to chapter 17 for the nine signs, supporting
recurrence of the Moses signs tradition within the same translated corpus.
claim_level: same_motif
target: Moses's nine signs in chapter 17 of the same translation
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:8
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: medium
limitations: The compared chapter text is not included in the supplied passage;
the claim relies on the passage's own cross-reference note.
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: lines 27602-27614
quote_or_summary: The Qur'an is presented as signs and guidance for true believers
who pray, give alms, and believe in the life to come; unbelievers in the life
to come are warned of punishment and loss.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-sale.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: lines 27615-27633
quote_or_summary: Moses sees fire, approaches it, hears a divine voice, is told
to cast down his rod, sees it move as though a serpent, and receives the white
hand sign as one of nine signs to Pharaoh and his people.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-sale.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: lines 27634-27638
quote_or_summary: The visible signs come to the people, who call them manifest sorcery
and deny them out of iniquity and pride.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-sale.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: lines 27639-27645
quote_or_summary: Knowledge is bestowed on David and Solomon; Solomon is David's
heir and says that he has been taught the speech of birds.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-sale.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: lines 27664-27675
quote_or_summary: Solomon's armies of genii, men, and birds reach the valley of
ants; an ant warns the ants to enter their habitations; Solomon smiles and prays
in gratitude and for paradise among the righteous.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-sale.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: lines 27676-27686
quote_or_summary: Solomon reviews the birds, notices the lapwing is absent, threatens
punishment unless she has an excuse, and the lapwing returns with news of a woman
ruling Saba with a magnificent throne.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-sale.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:7
type: citation
locator: footnote x in supplied passage
quote_or_summary: The note attached to Moses seeking fire says to see chapter 20.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-sale.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:8
type: citation
locator: footnote a in supplied passage
quote_or_summary: The note attached to the nine signs says to see chapter 17.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-sale.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: medium
notes: The main narrative elements are explicit in the supplied passage. Motif taxonomy
assignments are limited to the supplied taxonomy list and therefore remain cautious.
Comparison claims rely only on the passage's own editorial cross-references.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-28'
notes: |-
Only the supplied passage and metadata were used. Literal observations are separated from motif interpretation.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:islamic-koran-sale-gutenberg__l27602-l27686
passage_sha256=2674b391114898d52fad6e7cc3814f4a9493531cf8a504b9689c24e202ecee71