1 Samuel 2:5
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. 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.
The verse belongs to Hannah's experience of childlessness, which brought her grief and taunts from her husband Elkanah's second wife, and it marks her reversal from barrenness through answered prayer. It is part of the song she spoke aloud before the assembled people after God granted her desire for a child. Though naturally retiring and timid, she was moved by inspiration to publicly acknowledge divine mercy and to declare gratitude for Heaven's favor.
In its immediate setting the verse answers the proud boastings of an insolent and contentious woman. It declares God's reversal of human fortunes, in which those who were full hire themselves out for bread while the hungry are satisfied, and the barren bears seven while the mother of many children grows feeble. This is the humiliation of the proud and the exaltation of the humble.
The reversal happens even in this life to bring the ungodly to shame and confusion. Those who trust in riches and live in luxury and extravagance while trampling the rights of the poor may meet with reverses and be forced to labor for food, while those who have endured hardship and lack are blessed with plenty. The verse is prophetic of David who would reign as king of Israel and of Christ the Messiah, the Lord's anointed.
It points to the destruction of God's enemies and the complete and final triumph of his faithful, redeemed people. After uttering this triumphant praise, Hannah quietly returned to her home at Ramah, leaving the child Samuel to minister in God's house under the care and instruction of Eli the high priest.