Tafsir of Al-Qalam 68:28

"The most moderate of them said": That is, the best of them and the most sound in intellect and judgment, or the middle one of them in age.

"Did I not say to you, 'Why do you not exalt [Allah]?'": That is, why do you not remember Allah the Exalted and repent to Him from the wickedness of your intentions? He had said to them when they resolved upon that [evil act], "Remember Allah the Exalted and repent to Him from this wicked intention immediately, and hasten to cut off its evil before the arrival of retribution." But they disobeyed him, so he reproached them.

This meaning is indicated by the words of the Exalted...