Hired themselves out for bread — It is the same thing which is expressed both in divers metaphors in the foregoing, and following verses. Ceased — That is, ceased to be hungry. Seven — That is, many, as seven is often used. She speaks in the prophetick style, the past time, for the future; for though she had actually born but one, yet she had a confident persuasion that she should have more, which was grounded either upon some particular assurance from God; or rather upon the prayer or prediction of Eli. She — That is, Peninnah. Feeble — Either because she was now past child — bearing: or, because divers of her children, which were her strength and her glory, were dead, as the Hebrew doctors relate.
Related Commentaries of 1 Samuel 2:5
1 Samuel 2:5
5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.