Tafsir of Al-Anfal 8:47

He warns them by forbidding discord and disagreement of opinion, similar to what befell them at Uhud due to their disobedience to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), which led to their failure and the loss of their influence.

"...like those who left their homes..." They are the people of Mecca when they marched out to protect their caravan. When they reached al-Juhfa, the messenger of Abu Sufyan came to them saying: "Return, for your caravan has been saved." But Abu Jahl refused, saying: "We will not return until we reach Badr, drink wine there, have the singing girls perform for us, and feed the Arabs who come to us."

That was their insolence and their showing off to the people by feeding them. They arrived there, but instead of wine, they were given the cups of death to drink, and instead of singing girls, the mourners wailed over them.

He forbids them from being like them—insolent, boastful, and showing off in their deeds—and commands them to be among the people of piety, solemnity, and sorrow out of fear of Allah (Mighty and Majestic is He), making their deeds sincere for Allah alone.

"And when Satan made their deeds seem fair to them and said, 'No one can overcome you today from among the people, and I am a protector for you.' But when the two armies sighted each other, he turned on his heels and said, 'Indeed, I am free of you. Indeed, I see what you do not see. Indeed, I fear Allah, and Allah is severe in penalty.'"