Midrash su Deuteronomio 22:2

(Fol. 7) R. Abahu said: "The day of rain is of great importance, even more so than the day of resurrection; for the day of resurrection is only for the righteous, while rain falls for all alike, for the righteous as well as for the wicked." This is different from R. Joseph's contention; for R. Joseph said: "The act of rain is just as important as the day of resurrection; it was therefore inserted in the benediction for the resurrection of the dead [the second section of the Amida]." R. Juda said: "The day of rain is as great as the day on which the Torah was given; for it is said (Deut. 32, 2) My doctrine shall drop as the rain; doctrine refers to the Torah; for it is said (Prov. 4, 2) For good doctrine do I give you; my law must ye not forsake." Rab said: "The day of rain is even greater than the day on which the Law was given; for it is said (Deut. 32, 2) My doctrine shall drop as the rain. Now, which depends upon which? Surely the smaller [the doctrine] depends upon the bigger thing [the rain]?!" Raba pointed out the following contradiction: It is written (Deut. 22, 2) My doctrine shall drop as the rain, [which is not always good]; and further it is written. My speech shall trickle as the dew, [which is always good]; i.e., if the scholar is worthy, consider him as the dew; but, if he is not, turn your neck to him [as we do to rain]."

"return shall you return it to him": (Devarim 22:2) "If your brother is not near you" implies that until now Scripture has been speaking of one who is either near you or far from you, (but whom you know.) Whence do we derive (the procedure for) one whom you do not know? From (Ibid. 2) "If you do not know (to whom it belongs), then you shall take it in, etc." (The verse speaks of) an animal that it is customary to take in, to exclude a broken one (that one must carry on his back.) (Devarim, Ibid.) "and it shall be with you" — in your domain. (Ibid.) "until drosh your brother": until you inquire after your brother to ascertain whether or not he is trustworthy. (Ibid.) "then you shall return it to him": We find there to be a lost animal which works (for the finder) and eats (in compensation for its work), but not one which is fed without working.

(Devarim 22:2) "And if your brother is not near to you, and you do not know him, etc." "And if your brother is not near": I might think (that the halachah obtains) only if he is not near. Whence do I derive (that it obtains even) if he is far? From "And if your brother is not near to you." This tells me only of one who is far or near, when he knows. Whence do we derive (that the same obtains with) one whom he does not know? From "and you do not know him."