Children: The Gift of God

And Adam had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man,” she said.

And Adam again had relations with his wife, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another seed in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.”

And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.”

As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.

May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples.

And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.” …

Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?”

Then Rachel said, “God has vindicated me; He has heard my plea and given me a son.” So she named him Dan.

And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore a fifth son to Jacob. …

Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb, …

When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?” Jacob answered, “These are the children God has graciously given your servant.”

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And when he had relations with her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.

…saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

He blesses them, and they multiply greatly; He does not let their herds diminish.

But He lifts the needy from affliction and increases their families like flocks.

He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!

Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.