“Will a person be more just than God? Will a man be purer than his Maker? (Job 4:17). Is it possible for a person to be more just than God? “Will a man be purer than his Maker” – is it possible for a person to be purer than his Creator?
What did Elisha say to the Shunamite woman? “At this very time next year, at this very time, you will embrace a son” (II Kings 4:16). She said to him: ‘“No, my lord, man of God, do not deceive your maidservant” (II Kings 4:16). Those angels who brought the tidings to Sarah said to her: “At the prescribed time, I will return to you; at this very time next year, Sarah will have a son” (Genesis 18:14). [Why, then, do you [Elisha] not likewise promise that you will return?]’
He said to her: ‘Those angels knew that they live and endure forever, so they said: “At the time, I will return to you.” But, I, who am flesh and blood, alive today and dead tomorrow, [say to you:] whether I am alive or dead, “at this very time, you will embrace a son.”’ What is written there? “The woman conceived and bore a son at that time the next year, at that very time that Elisha had spoken to her” (II Kings 4:17).
If the words of flesh and blood are fulfilled, will the words of the Holy One blessed be He not be fulfilled? “The Lord remembered Sarah as He had said…”