What is the word that the LORD must establish (NIV: make good)?
1 Samuel 1:23 (ESV)
23Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only, may the LORD establish his word.” So the woman remained and nursed her son until she weaned him.
The term word here refers to the will of God in general rather than a specific promise made to Hannah.1 It could be a reference to God’s promise to bless his people and make them a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:1–3).2
23 Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only, may the LORD establish his word.” So the woman remained and nursed her son until she weaned him.