Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597 AH / 1201 CE) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr":

1. Allāh revealed the verse : "Present to them an example: the people of the city, when the messengers came to it" (36:13) and the verse: "And We have certainly created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein" (50:16). The Jews said, "What are these examples?" So this verse was revealed. [Ibn ʿAbbās, al-Ḥasan, Qatādah, Muqātil, al-Farrāʾ]
2. When Allāh presented the examples of the previous nations, such as the verse: "Like the example of one who kindled a fire" (2:17) and the verse: "Or [it is] like a rainstorm from the sky" (2:19), the hypocrites said, "Allāh is far greater and higher than to present these examples." So this verse was revealed. [Al-Suddī from his teachers; al-Ḥasan; Mujāhid]

What was the reason for this verse's revelation?

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597 AH / 1201 CE) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr":

1. Its meaning is "what is beyond that" in terms of greatness. [Ibn ʿAbbās, Qatādah, Ibn Jurayj, al-Farrāʾ]
2. Its meaning is "what is beyond that" in how small and insignificant it is. [Abū ʿUbaydah]

What does "what is beyond that" mean in this verse?

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597 AH / 1201 CE) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr":

1. It is a continuation of the unbelievers' quoted statement. [al-Farrāʾ, Ibn Qutaybah] al-Farrāʾ said: It is as if they said: "What does Allāh intend with an example that not everyone knows? He is misleading this person while guiding that one." Then, a new sentence begins which tells us that Allāh comments: "And none are led astray thereby except the defiantly disobedient" (2:26)
2. It is the beginning of a new statement from Allāh. [al-Suddī, Muqātil]

Who says the words "He misleads many thereby..."?

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597 AH / 1201 CE) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr":

1. The Jews. [Ibn ʿAbbās, Muqātil] 
2. The hypocrites. [Abū al-ʿĀliyah and al-Suddī] 
3. All disbelievers.

Which group is being referred to as "the evildoers” (*al-fāsiqīn*) in this verse?