When Elisha said to the Shunamis woman that during this
season, at this time next year, she will be embracing a son, she
responded that he should not mislead her. When the angel informed
Sarah that that she would have a son the next year, he also
committed that he would return then as well, however Elisha gave no
such promise to return and therefore could not be held accountable
if his words did not come true. Elisha replied that angels who live
and endure forever could guarantee to return at a set future time.
However he is flesh and blood, who can be alive today and dead
tomorrow can not guarantee that he will come. However he can
guarantee that she will embrace a son at this time next year,
regardless if he is alive or dead.[1]