THEOSISJerome of Stridon
From Dan to Beersheba, the distance is a mere one hundred sixty miles. The Scriptures affirm that both David and Solomon, the greatest of rulers, did not occupy a vast expanse, owning only what came from the tribes they conquered, who coexisted alongside them. I mention this not to overlook the five cities of Palestine: Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, Ekron, and Ashdod, nor the Idumeans residing to the south, a mere seventy-five miles from Jerusalem, nor the Arabs and Hagarites, known today as Saracens, who lived near the city of Jerusalem. I hesitate to discuss the extent of the promised land, fearing it may give the Gentiles grounds for blasphemy. The journey from Joppa to our small village of Bethlehem is only forty-five miles; beyond it lies a vast wilderness inhabited by fierce tribes.
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My intent is not to disparage the land of the Jews, as the heretical accuser suggests, nor to dismiss the historical truth that underpins spiritual insight, but rather to challenge the pride of the Jews, who favor the vastness of the Church over the confined space of the synagogue.