They (both the Messengers and unbelievers) sought a judgment (through test of right and might), and in the end every stubborn tyrant was frustrated (made to fail)
But they (the Messengers) sought victory and help (from their Lord (Allah)), and every obstinate, arrogant dictator (who refuses to believe in the Oneness of Allah) was brought to a complete loss and destruction
(The Rasuls) wanted conquest... And (thereby) every obstinate tyrant lost.
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli
And they (the prophets as well as the believers) sought victory, but every obstinate oppressor remained deprived
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur'an al-Karim
The Messengers prayed for victory and the infidels entertained expectation of triumph and suppression of their adversaries -the Muslims-, but the hopes of every transgressor who is self-willed and opinionated are doomed to disappointment