The theme of the barren woman receiving a promise of expansion is a profound motif in the Bible, symbolizing hope, divine intervention, and the fulfillment of God's promises. This theme is particularly evident in the prophetic literature and narratives of the Old Testament, where barrenness is transformed into fruitfulness through God's miraculous intervention.

Isaiah 54:1-3
One of the most poignant passages addressing this theme is found in Isaiah 54:1-3. The prophet Isaiah speaks to the nation of Israel, personified as a barren woman, and delivers a message of hope and restoration:
“Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD. “Enlarge the site of your tent, stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not hold back. Lengthen your ropes and drive your stakes deep. For you will spread out to the right and left; your descendants will dispossess the nations and inhabit the desolate cities.”

In this passage, the barren woman is called to rejoice, for her future will be marked by abundance and expansion. The imagery of enlarging the tent signifies preparation for an increase in descendants and blessings. This promise is not only a personal assurance but also a national one, reflecting God's covenantal faithfulness to Israel.

Sarah and Hannah
The narratives of Sarah and Hannah further illustrate this theme. Sarah, the wife of Abraham, was barren for many years. In Genesis 17:16, God promises Abraham that Sarah will bear a son: “I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will become nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.” Despite her initial disbelief, Sarah's eventual conception of Isaac is a testament to God's power to fulfill His promises.

Similarly, Hannah's account in 1 Samuel 1-2 highlights the transformation from barrenness to fruitfulness. Hannah, deeply distressed by her inability to conceive, prays earnestly to the Lord. God hears her plea, and she gives birth to Samuel, who becomes a significant prophet in Israel. Hannah's song of thanksgiving in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 echoes the joy and gratitude of a woman whose barrenness has been turned into blessing.

New Testament Reflections
The New Testament also reflects on this theme, particularly in the context of spiritual fruitfulness. In Galatians 4:27, the Apostle Paul quotes Isaiah 54:1 to illustrate the freedom and expansion of the children of the promise, contrasting them with those under the law. This application underscores the spiritual fulfillment of the promise, extending beyond physical descendants to encompass all who are in Christ.

Theological Implications
The promise of expansion for the barren woman carries deep theological implications. It underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to bring life and hope where there is none. It also highlights the theme of divine grace, as God chooses to bless and expand those who are seemingly without hope or future. This promise serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant and His power to fulfill His promises against all odds.

In summary, the promise of expansion for the barren woman is a powerful biblical theme that illustrates God's ability to transform desolation into abundance, both physically and spiritually. Through this motif, the Scriptures reveal the depth of God's grace and the certainty of His promises to His people.