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 mitzvoth (commandments) 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." ...
Why? So That They Keep His Statutes and Observe His Laws
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 mitzvoth 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."...