And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, [thou] man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.
Ver. 16. About this season,] i.e., About this time twelve months from now.
Thou shalt embrace a son.] God dealeth with his servants, as the prophet here did with this Shunammite, when he bade her ask what she needed, and tell him what he should do for her, and she found not anything to request at his hands; he sends for her, and makes her a free promise of that which she most wanted and desired - a son. So, oft God is pleased to give his servants what they forget or presume not to ask.