1 Samuel 1:23

23. Only the Lord establish his word What word Elkanah here refers to is not clear. Some, taking דבר , word, in the sense of matter or thing, a meaning which it sometimes has, paraphrase the sentence thus: The Lord carry out and perfect what he has begun in the case of this child. Others suppose that reference is made to some special revelation concerning the mission and destiny of Samuel, which the sacred writers have not recorded. But it is better to understand by his word, the benediction of Eli, 1 Samuel 1:17 “the God of Israel grant thee thy petition.” According to this view the parents of Samuel regarded the high priest’s prayer as a prophecy the word of God respecting Hannah’s prayer for a child, and her vow to consecrate such child to the divine service.