For the LORDhad closedfastallthe wombsof the householdof Abimelechbecauseof Sarah,Abraham'swife.
But the LORDstruckPharaohand his housewith greatplaguesbecauseof Sarai,Abram'swife.
So Saraisaidto Abram,"Nowbehold,the LORDhas preventedme from bearing[children]. Pleasegoin to my maid;perhapsI will obtainchildrenthroughher." And Abramlistenedto the voiceof Sarai.
"Nowtherefore, restorethe man'swife,for he is a prophet,and he will prayfor you and you will live.But ifyou do not restore[her], knowthat you shall surelydie,you and allwhoare yours."
Then Jacob'sangerburnedagainst Rachel,and he said,"Am I in the placeof God,whohas withheldfrom you the fruitof the womb?"
Her rival,however, would provokeher bitterlyto irritateher, becausethe LORDhad closedher womb.
So they sentthe arkof Godto Ekron.And as the arkof Godcameto Ekronthe Ekronitescriedout, saying,"They have broughtthe arkof the Godof Israelaroundto us, to killus and our people."
