Quote:
{2:29} It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth. Then He directed Himself to the heaven, [His being above all creation], and made them seven heavens, and He is Knowing of all things.
The translation of
استوى إلى السماء as "directed Himself to the heaven" is good, but I find Pickthall's translation to be more direct, "turned to the heaven."
I see no reason to interject, "His being above all creation."
Quote:
{2:30} And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority." They said, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?" God said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know."
The interjection, "mention, O Muhammad" is unnecessary. Also,
خليفة does not mean successive authority. It means one who is left in charge. I suggest a simple translation: a deputy.