THEOSISJerome of Stridon
And there shall be a single inheritance extending from the boundary of Dan on the eastern side to the sea of Dan, and one inheritance continuing from the boundary of Dan on the eastern side to the sea of Asher. From the boundary of Dan on the eastern side to the coastline of Asher, there lies one inheritance. Likewise, beyond the border of Asher from the east to the seashore directed towards Naphtali, another inheritance is designated. Further, beyond the territory of Naphtali from the east to the sea in the direction of Manasseh, an inheritance is established. Also, beyond the border of Manasseh from the east to the sea for Ephraim, there exists one inheritance. Beyond Ephraim’s boundary from the east to the coastline leading to Reuben lies one inheritance.
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Finally, beyond the border of Reuben from the east to the seashore directed towards Judah exists one inheritance.
Having detailed the division of the Holy Land in accordance with the current prophecy of Ezekiel and the account found in the book of Numbers, the inheritance of each tribe is now articulated from east to west, that is, reaching to the coastline. It commences with the northern boundaries proceeding towards Ephalon to Emath, leading to the court or Aser - Enom, as well as the northern limit of Damascus near Emath, which has been previously discussed.
Commencing with the tribe of Dan, followed by Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and lastly Judah on the left, the total is seven tribes. Next follows the section pertaining to the priests and Levites, with the sanctuary of the Lord centrally located, as well as the most sacred area. The city is depicted with an expanse of four thousand five hundred cubits on each of its four sides. The property allocations for the priests and Levites, as well as the princes' holdings, are also delineated in a sequential manner.
On the right side, similarly, five tribes follow from east to west, beginning with Benjamin, then Simeon, which has its distinct territory apart from Judah. Issachar is third, Zebulun fourth, and Gad fifth. Each side of the city features three gates, and the city's name is inscribed on a golden plaque positioned on the forehead of the high priest.
In our subsequent discussion, we will delve deeper into these matters. It should also be noted that the names of the forty-eight cities allotted to the Levites, along with their suburbs, that are detailed in the book of Numbers, are notably absent here. Of these cities designated for the cities of refuge, three are beyond the Jordan for two and a half tribes—Bosor, Ramoth, and Gablon—and three on this side of the Jordan: Kadesh, Shechem, and Cariafarbeh. In this profound depiction, in association with the dwelling and lives of the saints, it was deemed unnecessary to elaborate on what was essential for the refuge of the fugitives or what Israel required during their earthly journey, amidst significant trials and tribulations, yearning to reach this city, echoing the sentiments of the saints who profess, “I am a stranger and an alien, as were all my fathers” (Psalm 38:13). Additionally, “I dwell among the tents of Kedar; my soul is weary” (Psalm 119:5-6).