THEOSISJerome of Stridon
And this will be the commencement of a consecrated space for the priests: to the north, it will extend twenty-five thousand cubits, and to the west, it will measure ten thousand; to the east, it will also span ten thousand, and to the south, it will reach twenty-five thousand cubits. The sanctuary of the Lord shall be situated within this area. This holy place shall belong to the descendants of Zadok, who have faithfully served Me and have not strayed during the period of Israel's transgressions, unlike the Levites who did. They will have a portion of the land that is holy, a sanctuary among sanctuaries, situated near the borders allotted to the Levites.
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The dimensions of the beginnings of this sacred area are outlined, which is not designated for the general populace, nor for the unworthy, nor for the Levites deemed lesser, but is exclusively for the priestly ministry. It encompasses the north, west, east, and south, following a progressive order. This signifies moving away from the frigid north toward the west, where our wrongdoings can fade as the sun sets. Subsequently, we move to the east, where the sun of righteousness rises, guiding us to the midday brightness, which symbolizes the utmost clarity and perfection. From the north to the sea and from the east to the south, the measurements remain consistent at twenty-five thousand for length and ten thousand for breadth.
At the center of this priestly boundary will stand the sanctuary, or temple of the Lord, with equal dimensions on all sides. The phrase, “this will be the beginning of the sacred place for the priests,” indicates that this general designation allows all priests to claim this area and carry out their duties. More specifically, the sacred space is allocated to the sons of Zadok, noted for their righteousness, about whom it is declared that the Lord is just and that righteousness is cherished in His presence (Psalm 10:7). In the Septuagint, the name Zadok is rendered as Sadduk. The Gospel states concerning this Zadok: “The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22). The prophet mystically refers to him as Solomon: “O God, give Thy judgments to the king, and Thy righteousness to the king's son” (Psalm 71:1).
Only those priests shall rightfully occupy the sanctuary of the Lord and perform His duties who remained steadfast during the Israelites' wandering, unlike those Levites previously mentioned. These priests do not offer sacrifices but acknowledge their errors with humility, consistently recognizing, “I know my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me” (Psalm 50:4). The priestly office must heed this message. Having faced Arian persecution yet ultimately embraced the true faith, it should remain devoted to righteous actions, humbly bowing and accepting its presence in the temple. This should include letting go of pride, abandoning that which is pleasing yet harmful, and diligently maintaining a standard that does not emanate a foul discourse from its esteemed position. However, the choicest holy portions and contributions, as well as sanctuaries among sanctuaries, are near the confines of the Levites. Thus, even though the Levites are near the sacred limits assigned to the priests, the central portion belonging to them remains untouched.