That is because indeed Messengers had come to them with the Explanations, then they denied, then Allah seized them, indeed He is strong, severe in torment.
The explanation mentioned in this verse is one of the 40 names of Adhikr. The people of ancestors were punished when they became wrong doers and transgressors without utilising Adhikr and they were preventing mankind from It. When there will be no any believer who utilises Adhikr as the Balance and Trust to keep the universe in its equilibrium and as Safeguard and Shield against all disasters, diseases and hellfire, Antichrist-one of the ten crucial signs of the Last Day-will come as explained in verse 6: 158. No soul will get any benefit after the coming of Antichrist. See explanation 7: 96; 12: 110; 40: 5.