THEOSISJerome of Stridon
There will be a single inheritance extending from the boundary of Dan on the eastern side to the sea of Dan, and from Dan's border on the east to the sea of Asher. From Dan’s eastern border to Asher's seaside, there lies an inheritance. Beyond Asher’s boundary, from the east to the seaside, there is an inheritance for Naphtali. Similarly, beyond Naphtali’s territory, extending from the east to the sea, Manasseh receives an inheritance. Following Manasseh, Ephraim is granted an inheritance from the east to the sea side. Next, Reuben receives its inheritance from the eastern border extending to the sea, followed by Judah receiving its portion.
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This outlines the inheritance across the holy land as foretold by Ezekiel and recorded in the book of Numbers, detailing each tribe’s allocation from the east to the west, concluding at the sea.
The boundaries on the northern side include a path leading toward Ephalon, passing Emath and extending towards the courts or Aser - Enom. The northern boundary of Damascus near Emath has also been previously mentioned. The order of the tribes begins with Dan, followed by Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and concludes with Judah, totaling seven tribes on the left side. Next, the allocation for the priests and Levites is initiated, with the Lord’s sanctuary at the center, comprising the holy of holies. The city itself is described as measuring four thousand five hundred canes on each of its four sides, along with the suburbs assigned to the priests and Levites, and the portion designated for the prince.
On the right side, five tribes are delineated in a similar fashion, starting with Benjamin, followed by Simeon, which possesses its unique area separate from Judah as before. Issachar is third, Zebulon is fourth, and Gad is the fifth tribe. The city features three gates on each side along with its name inscribed on a golden plaque worn by the high priest. Further details regarding this matter will be addressed separately. Notably absent are the names of the forty-eight cities allocated to Levi, along with their suburbs, as described in the book of Numbers, including the cities for those seeking refuge. Three of these cities, Bosor, Ramoth, and Gablon, were assigned beyond the Jordan for two and a half tribes, and on this side, Kadesh, Shechem, and Cariafarbeh serve the same purpose. In this sacred representation, alongside the dwelling of the saints and their eternal life, it is deemed unnecessary to elaborate on those provisions meant for the safety of fugitives, nor on what Israel required during its earthly journey amidst trials and dangers, striving to reach this eternal city, echoing through the saints, "I am a stranger and an alien, as were all my fathers" (Psalms 38:13) and in another instance, "I am with the villages of Kidar, my soul is many" (Psalm 119:5-6).