1 Samuel 2:5 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Have hired themselves out for bread They that formerly lived in affluence have been so reduced as to be obliged to labour hard for daily bread. They that were hungry ceased That is, ceased to suffer hunger, or to complain of it. This vicissitude of human affairs, especially the sudden turns which often take place, from a great height of prosperity to a very low condition, and the contrary, are very wonderful, and ought seriously to be pondered; that no man may be self-confident and proud, nor any one be dejected and desponding. So that the barren hath born seven That is, many children. She alludes to the great change God had made in her own condition. For though she had actually born but one, yet it is probable she had a confident persuasion that she should have more, grounded either upon some particular assurance from God, or, rather, upon the prayer or prediction of Eli. She that hath many children, &c. Those that have been fruitful grow barren when God pleaseth.