The beginning of Genesis seems obsessed with babies. Numerous times, including during the creation, we are told to be "fruitful." And then there are all the lists. Lists of who "begot" who...on and on. It's clear that the world is becoming populated and that this is a good thing. But then chapter 11, verse 29 comes along and WHAM!... "...and Sarai was barren, she had no child." It's as if God's plan hits a stone wall.
I know that circumstances are different now than they were in the ancient world, but even today, the news that a couple cannot conceive a child can be difficult. In the ancient world, the survival of the clan was dependant upon children. God's Covenant with Abraham is all dependant upon children. This part of the story provides a real test as to whether or not Abraham and Sarai are going to totally depend on God or not.
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