ISB ~ Luke 1 v7

barren:This was sometimes considered a sign of I God’s disfavor (Gen 30:2), while a fruitful womb was viewed as a divine blessing (Deut 7:14; Ps 128:3-4).

• Elizabeth, along with Sarah (Gen 11:30), Rebekah (Gen 25:21), Rachel (Gen 29:31), Samson’s mother (Judg 13:2), and Hannah (1 Sam 1:2), suffered barrenness until God miraculously blessed her with a child. John’s birth thus falls in line with Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Samson, and Samuel, all of whom were covenant representatives in Israel.