Rabbi Huna and Rabbi Yirmeya said in the name of Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Abba: The Holy One blessed be He is destined to craft shelter and canopies for those who perform mitzvot alongside the students of Torah in the Garden of Eden. This has three [supporting] verses: One, “for in the shelter of wisdom, in the shelter of money”;5The implication is that those who use their money for charity will enjoy the same respite, or reward, as those who engage in Torah study, alluded to here as wisdom. two, “happy is the man who does this, and the person who upholds it” (Isaiah 56:2);6This is understood to indicate equality between the one who studies and the one who supports Torah study (see Etz Yosef). and this: “It is a tree of life for those who grasp it.”
Shimon brother of Azarya said in his name7Some emend the text to read: We have learned elsewhere: Shimon, brother of Azarya, said in his name (see Rabbi David Luria). –but was Shimon not greater than Azarya? 8There was a Sage who was always known as Shimon, brother of Azarya (see, e.g., Mishna Zevaḥim 1:2). Why is he mentioned as the brother of Azarya when it was he, not Azarya, who was the great scholar?
Rather, because Azarya engaged in commerce and provided sustenance for Shimon; therefore, the halakha is cited with his name. Likewise, “And of Zebulun he said: Rejoice, Zebulun, on your journeys, and, Issachar, in your tents” (Deuteronomy 33:18). But was Issachar not older than Zebulun?9Why is Zebulun mentioned first? Rather, because Zebulun would set sail from the settled areas and engage in commerce, and provide sustenance for Issachar, the Torah rewards him for his efforts.
Therefore, the verse is called by his name,10It begins with his name. as it is stated: “Rejoice, Zebulun, on your journeys, and, Issachar, in your tents.” Rabbi Tanḥuma said: Anyone who goes out to war but does not focus his heart on the war will ultimately fall in the war. But the tribe of Zebulun, whether it focuses or whether it does not focus, goes out to war and is victorious. That is what is written: “From Zebulun, fit for military service, wagers of war with all instruments of war, [fifty thousand to wage war wholeheartedly [belo lev valev]” (I Chronicles 12:34).
What is belo lev valev?11These words may be translated literally to mean “without heart and [with] heart.” It is that whether they focus or whether they do not focus, they emerge and are victorious. Rabbi Yehuda ben Pazi expounded: Who will remove dust from your eyes,12If only you could come back to life and witness this. Adam the first man, as you were unable to uphold your command even one hour, and your descendants wait three years for orla.13It is prohibited to eat or to derive benefit from the fruit that grows on the tree for its first three years.
The fruit that grows during that period is called orla. Rav Huna said: When bar Kapara heard this, he said: Rabbi Yehuda, son of my sister, expounded well. That is what is written: “When you will come into the land and plant any food tree.”