Another matter, “He gave to Moses,” that is what is written: “A person’s giving expands for him [and will bring him before great men]” (Proverbs 18:16). A gift that a person gives from his own [possessions] expands for him. There was an incident involving Avin the deceiver 6This incident is not recorded in Esther Rabba but is found elsewhere in the midrash (see Tanḥuma, Re’eh 5; Vayikra Rabba 5:4; see here in Etz Yosef).
Avin would create the impression that he was not donating to charity, and would then clandestinely match the sum donated by everyone else. When the Sages discovered the truth they seated him in their midst. until they took him and seated them in their midst, to realize: “A man’s giving expands for him.” Another matter, “a person’s giving expands for him,” this is Abraham. When he pursued the kings,7This is referring to when Abraham pursued the four kings and defeated them in battle, thus gaining control of the residents and possessions of Sodom that they had looted; see Genesis chapter 14. the king of Sodom emerged to greet him and said to him: “Give me the people and take the possessions for yourself” (Genesis 14:21).
Abraham said: “I have raised my hand to the Lord…not a thread or a sandal strap” (Genesis 14:22–23). The Holy One blessed be He said to him: ‘You say: “Not a thread,” as you live, with that same expression I will laud your descendants, as it is stated: “Your lips are like a scarlet thread” (Song of Songs 4:3). You said: “Or a sandal strap,” with that expression, I will laud your descendants, as it is stated: “How fair are your feet in sandals”’ (Song of Songs 7:2).
That is, “a man’s giving expands for him.” Another matter, “a man’s giving expands for him,” this is Israel. When Moses said to them to bring a contribution for the Tabernacle, what is written? “They brought him more contributions each morning” (Exodus 36:3).
Rabbi Yoḥanan said: In two mornings they brought all the materials [needed for] the Tabernacle. What did they merit? That the Holy One blessed be He would expand their boundaries, as it is stated: “When the Lord your God will expand your boundary” (Deuteronomy 12:20); of each and every one of them. That is, “a man’s giving expands for him.”
Rabbi Yonatan says: Three matters were given as a gift [matana]: The rains, the lights, and the Torah. Rain, from where is it derived? As it is stated: “I will provide [venatati] your rains in their time” (Leviticus 26:4). Lights, from where is it derived?
As it is written: “God set [vayiten] them in the firmament of the heavens” (Genesis 1:17). Torah, from where is it derived? As it is stated: “He gave [vayiten] to Moses […the two tablets of Testimony].” Rabbi Azarya says in the name of Rabbi Shimon: Peace, too, as it is stated: “I will provide [venatati] peace in the land” (Leviticus 26:6).