"Or that He may seize them while they are in fear [of impending destruction]." The interpretation of al-Kalbi is: meaning, while they are in a state of depletion; that is, He tests them with hardship until they diminish and their numbers decrease.

Muhammad says: It is said, "The ages have depleted him," meaning: they have diminished him.

A poet said—describing a she-camel, and that the travel had reduced the fat of her hump after it had been firm and compact:

"The travel depleted the thick, tall hump upon her back, just as the polishing tool depletes the wood of the nab'-tree."