Our jumping-off point is Bamidbar Rabbah 12, a fascinating exploration of the verse "On the day that [Moses] concluded." Now, you might think this is just a throwaway line, but the Rabbis saw something much deeper. They point out that the text doesn't say "on the day he erected" but "on the day he concluded" [kalot]. This, they suggest, hints at a deeper significance, maybe even that it was the day demons were eliminated [shekalu] from the world. Pretty powerful stuff, right?

The text then brings in a verse from Proverbs (27:18): "The guardian of a fig tree will eat its fruit…" What does a fig tree have to do with anything? Well, the Rabbis use it as an analogy for Torah. Most trees, like olive, vine, or date, are harvested all at once. But a fig tree? You pick it little by little, over time. And that's how Torah learning is, too. We study a little today, a little more tomorrow. It's not learned in a year or two. It’s a lifelong process.

And who embodies this dedication? Joshua, Moses’s loyal attendant. "And his attendant, Joshua son of Nun, a lad, would not depart from within the tent" (Exodus 33:11). Joshua was the "guardian of the fig tree," diligently attending to Moses and absorbing his wisdom. And what's the "fruit" he gets to eat? Kingdom and dominion, as Proverbs 8:15-16 tells us: "Through me kings reign…Through me rulers rule." This is understood as wisdom, or the Torah. Joshua inherited Moses's position not because of birthright, but because of his dedication. As Numbers 27:18 says, "Take you Joshua the son of Nun…[and lay your hand upon him]." Because he attended to his master day and night, he merited the Divine Spirit. Bamidbar Rabbah emphasizes that the seemingly redundant phrase “Moses’ attendant” in Joshua 1:1 is there to show us that this very service earned him prophecy.

But the message goes even deeper. The text assures us that God doesn’t withhold reward from anyone who toils and devotes their life to something. Think about it. Solomon built the Temple, but Psalms 30:1 says "A psalm, a song for the dedication of the Temple to David" – not Solomon! Why? Because David devoted his life to preparing for the Temple, as we see in Psalms 132:1, 3-5: "Remember, Lord, for David, all of his afflictions.… I will not enter the roof of my house.… I will not give sleep to my eyes.… until I find a place for the Lord.” His passion and dedication were recognized.

Similarly, Moses devoted his life to three things: laws, Torah, and the Tabernacle, and they were all called by his name. The laws, as Exodus 18:13 tells us, "Moses sat to judge the people…[from the morning until the evening]." The Torah, learned during his forty days on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18), is forever linked to him: "Remember the Torah of Moses My servant" (Malachi 3:22). And the Tabernacle? Moses personally oversaw its construction, making sure everything was done according to God's instructions (Exodus 25:40, 39:43).

Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Yosef adds a fascinating detail: during the seven days of the Tabernacle's inauguration, Moses would erect and dismantle it twice each day, all by himself! It wasn't just that he erected it, but that he concluded its erecting. That's why the verse says, "On the day that Moses concluded." His personal involvement and meticulous dedication were paramount.

So, what’s the takeaway? Bamidbar Rabbah 12 isn't just about Moses and Joshua. It's about all of us. It’s a reminder that our efforts, our dedication, our tireless work towards something meaningful, will not go unnoticed. Whether it's learning Torah, building a community, or simply being a good friend, the "fruit" of our labor will eventually be revealed. God sees our efforts and honors our dedication. Keep tending your fig tree, because the harvest is coming.