Can the Barren Woman be Happy? A Motif from Ps 113 in the Context of the Hebrew Bible

Abstract

In Ps 113:7‒9, YHWH’s actions towards the poor and the barren are praised. The article examines the connection between v. 7‒8 and v. 9 and the relationship between the poor and the barren. The situation of a barren woman and her potential categorisation in the group of the poor is discussed. The connection to 1 Sam 2:1‒10 is also considered. Finally, an alternative interpretation is explored: can Ps 113:9 be understood to mean that a woman can be happy without children? The article shows to what extent the barren woman is socially disadvantaged and how YHWH’s actions towards her are to be understood.