He makes the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise you the LORD.
Read Chapter 113
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
7. What then, brethren, if we have already heard of those humble things which are in heaven, lifted up from the mire, that they might be set with the princes of the people; have we by consequence heard nothing of the humble things which the Lord beholdeth on the earth? For those friends who will judge with their Lord are fewer, while those whom they receive into everlasting habitations are more in number. For although the whole of a heap of corn compared with the separate chaff may seem to contain few in number; yet considered by itself, it is abundant. ...The Church then speaketh thus in that sense, wherein she seemeth to bear no offspring among those crowds who have not given up all things, that they might follow the Lord, and might sit upon the twelve thrones. But how many in the same crowd, who make unto themselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, shall stand on the right hand through works of mercy? He not only then lifteth up from the mire him whom He is to place with th...
Children. Anna and Elizabeth, who were naturally barren, were blessed with what they so eagerly desired, by the divine power. (Haydock)
It may be understood of the Gentile world, after it had embraced the faith, (St. Jerome; Galatians iv. 17.; St. Chrysostom) or of the captives, (Isaias lvi. 1., and xlix. 21., and Psalm lxvii. 7.; Calmet) though Isaias may also refer to the Church. (Haydock)
Joseph was wonderfully advanced in glory, and Sara, Rebecca, were made fruitful.
