In Scripture, and until quite recently, the problem of infertility was attributed physiologically to women, though ultimately it is YHWH who holds the keys to opening and closing the womb. But often, women suffer deep shame and heartache as a consequence, their barrenness attributed to some hidden wrong, sin, or flaw. There are several woman, matriarchs, who suffered barreness. But in each of these stories, the son was ultimately dedicated back to YHWH. YHWH protects these woman also for His special purpose, and shows His Might that nothing is impossible, even in old age.

• Sarah: Abraham’s wife, Sarah, was barren for many years. She and Abraham, at an advanced age, were promised a son through divine intervention, resulting in the birth of Isaac. Sarah struggled with unbelief, impatience, anger and disrespect.
• Rebekah: The wife of Isaac, Rebekah, also experienced infertility for a period. She and Isaac eventually had twins, Jacob and Esau, who were instrumental in the continuation of the lineage of Israel. The Bible doesn’t tell us about Rebekah’s emotional reaction to her infertility. But it does let us know that Isaac was 40 years old when he married Rebekah. Twenty years later, when Isaac was 60, she finally gave birth to twins. She must have had a lot of questions, heartache, patience and perseverence.
• Rachel: Rachel, Jacob’s wife, was also described as barren, a fact that caused significant distress and even some rivalry with her sister Leah. She later became the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, two other important figures in the biblical narrative. Between both these sisters they had a lot of strive, envy and competition.
• Hannah: Hannah, the wife of Elkanah, was barren and deeply mourned the lack of children. Her fervent prayers led to the birth of Samuel, a prophet and judge of Israel. She obviously was annoyed with the other wife, making the heartache and depression much worse.
• Samson’s Mother: The unnamed wife of Manoah, mother of Samson, experienced infertility. She was blessed with a son, Samson, a powerful figure in the Book of Judges. She had to have faith and be obedient, putting her child in a powerful yet scary position.
• Ruth: Ruth was married for ten years and never conceived when her husband, Naomis’ son, died. She wanted to stay with Naomi, her mother-in-law, but because she had no son, Naomi told her to go. Ruth must have also felt extreme heartbreak. But YHWH rewarded her, for staying with with Naomi and choosing YHWH as her Elohim.
• Elizabeth: The mother of John the Baptist, and wife to a priest, had her prayers finally answered at an old age after an angel appeared to her. She didn’t question it, showing her faith and patience.