1There was a very rich man, named Joachim, who made his offerings in double quantities.
2Reuben said to Joachim: 'It is not lawful for you to offer your gifts, while you have not begotten offspring in Israel.'
3Joachim was mortified and consulted the archives of Israel to verify the genealogy.
4He found that all the righteous had begotten descendants. He remembered how the Lord gave Isaac to Abraham.
5Joachim was tormented, withdrew to the desert and fasted for forty days and forty nights.
6Anna lamented and groaned painfully for her widowhood and barrenness.
7Behold the angel of God appeared, saying: 'Anna, the Lord has heard your prayers! You shall conceive and give birth.'