R. Yossi says: It is written (Isaiah 45:19) "Not in secrecy did I speak, in a place of darkness, etc." In the very beginning, when I gave it, I did not give it in secret or in a dark, dusky land. And I did not say to the seed of Jacob "Seek Me in vain" (i.e., gratis). I did not give it as a pledge (to be taken back), viz. (Ibid.) "I am the L–rd, who speaks righteousness, who declares what is just." Even before I gave you the mitzvot (commandments)h I "prefaced" their reward, viz. (Exodus 16:5) "And they shall prepare what they shall bring (of the manna) and it shall be double, etc." And it is written (Leviticus 25:21) "And I shall command My blessing for you in the sixth year, etc." I might think (that reward is given) only for these (Shabbath and Shevi'ith) alone (and not for other mitzvoth). It is, therefore, written (Psalms 105:44) "And He gave them the land of nations, etc." Why? (Ibid. 45) "So that they keep His statutes and observe His laws." ...