³⁸ The Israelites had arranged with the ambush that they should send up a great cloud of smoke^(A) from the city,^(B)

¹⁶ “About this time^(A) next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.”

“No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!”

²⁰ The men of Ai looked back and saw the smoke of the city rising up into the sky,^(A) but they had no chance to escape in any direction; the Israelites who had been fleeing toward the wilderness had turned back against their pursuers.

²¹ But my covenant^(A) I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you^(B) by this time next year.”^(C)