Tafsir of Al-Anbiya' 21:43

"Or do they have gods..."

Then, He turns away from that [previous subject] by means of the meaning of bal (nay/rather) contained in am (or), and says: "Or do they have gods [that can protect them]" from the punishment, [gods] that surpass our protection and preservation?

Then, He initiates a new point, explaining that if something is incapable of helping or protecting itself, and is not supported by God with victory and reinforcement, how could it possibly protect or help another?

"Nay, We have provided for these [people] and their forefathers until life became prolonged for them. Do they not see that We come to the land, reducing it from its borders? Is it then they who are the victors?"