THEOSISJerome of Stridon
The Levites are allocated a designated area measuring twenty-five thousand cubits in length and ten thousand cubits in width, as established within the priestly territories. This entirety, measuring twenty-five thousand cubits in length and ten thousand cubits in width, is not to be sold or exchanged, nor shall it be removed, as it is consecrated to the Lord. In contrast, the remaining five thousand cubits in width and twenty thousand cubits in length will serve as a secular zone for the city's residents and surrounding areas, with the city positioned at the center.
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In the translations, Aquila rendered the term used for secular space as βὲβλον, while Simmachus and Theodotion chose λαϊκὸν. The Seventy employed the term προτει'χισμα, which can be understood as an outlying limit. The area deemed common is designated for all the people to inhabit. The translation indicating that it shall not be measured or removed emphasizes its perpetual nature—this portion is to remain under the Levites' stewardship and cannot be exchanged, ensuring that its sacred nature remains above monetary concerns. It serves to remind those serving in the ministry of their humble roles, for some may grow proud, mistakenly believing themselves superior due to their public preaching or their proximity to the episcopal authority, overlooking the call to serve not only the priests but also the widows and the impoverished.
The restriction against selling or exchanging this sacred portion guarantees its eternal status, reaffirming that what belongs to the Lord is ultimately held for His honor, not for the benefit of any individual. The additional five thousand cubits in width and twenty thousand cubits in length is a secular area meant for all Israelites to settle, signifying that it is not impure or corrupt, but simply open to all except the priests. This delineates that earthly pleasures—those that appeal to the senses—are not inherently sacred nor do they carry the sanctity found within the temple mechanisms.
The city, situated centrally, is noteworthy as indicated in scripture: "The river of God is full of water" (Psalms 65:9), and "A city set on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:14). The terms used for preposition and distance evoke uncertainty regarding their meaning in this context; however, it remains clear that these boundaries highlight the distinctiveness of sacred spaces in contrast to ordinary life.