Hannah Argues That God Creates Nothing in Vain

Rabbi Elazar said in the name of Rabbi Yose ben Zimra: "And Hannah, she was speaking upon her heart" (1 Samuel 1:13) — concerning the affairs of her heart. She said before the Holy One, blessed be He: Master of the universe, did You create a single thing for nothing? You created eyes to see, ears to hear, a mouth to speak, a nose to smell, hands to do work. These breasts that You placed upon my heart — are they not to nurse with? Give me a son, that I may nurse with them. Rabbi Elazar said: Hannah cast words toward On High, as it is said, "And she prayed upon the LORD" (1 Samuel 1:10).