When the LORD saw that Leah was loved less than Rachel, he made it possible for her to have children, but Rachel remained childless.

And even though he loved Hannah very much he would give her only one share, because the LORD had kept her from having children.

Peninnah, her rival, would torment and humiliate her, because the LORD had kept her childless.

When that time comes, seven women will grab hold of one man and say, "We can feed and clothe ourselves, but please let us say you are our husband, so that we won't have to endure the shame of being unmarried."

In the meantime the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he was spending such a long time in the Temple.

"Now at last the Lord has helped me," she said. "He has taken away my public disgrace!"

He had a message for a young woman promised in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was a descendant of King David. Her name was Mary.