When the Lord closes a womb it means infertility and barrenness. Hannah was unable to have children. Under the terms of the old covenant, this was meant to be evidence of God’s displeasure (see Exodus 23:26; Deuteronomy 7:14; Deuteronomy 28:11).1 Barren women feature prominently in biblical narratives. Often they are instruments of God in raising up key figures such as Isaac (Genesis 11:30), Jacob (Genesis 25:20–21, Genesis 25:26b), Joseph (Genesis 29:31 – 30:24), and Samson (Judges 13:1–25).2
5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb.