THEOSISJerome of Stridon
And there will exist a singular inheritance extending from the eastern border of Dan to the sea of Dan, and another inheritance from the eastern border of Dan to the sea of Asher. An inheritance also reaches from the eastern limit of Dan to the coastline of Asher. Further, an inheritance extends beyond the border of Asher, going from the east to the coastal area of Naphtali. Beyond Naphtali’s border, another portion is designated from the east toward the shore for Manasseh. Continuing beyond Manasseh to Ephraim, another inheritance is assigned from the east to the coast. Beyond Ephraim, an inheritance reaches from the east side to the seashore for Reuben. An inheritance extends beyond Reuben, from east to west, to Judah.
Read more (309 words)
This outlines the possession of the promised land, reflecting the prophecies of Ezekiel and the account in the book of Numbers, illustrating the allocations of each tribe from east to west, leading to the seashore. The journey begins with the northern border towards Emath, moving to Aser-Enom, and encompassing the boundary of Damascus. Initiating with the tribe of Dan, followed by Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah—this completion marks seven in total.
Following this, the designation for the priests and Levites is introduced, with the sanctuary of the Lord situated centrally, including the holy of holies. The city is defined by having four thousand five hundred cubits on each side, alongside the priests and Levites' suburbs and the territory of the prince. Next, on the right side, another five tribes are named, similarly oriented from east to west: Benjamin first, followed by Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad, featuring three gates on each side of the city. The name of the city is inscribed on a golden plaque worn by the high priest.
It is important to note that the enumeration of the forty-eight cities designated for the tribe of Levi, as noted in the book of Numbers, has been omitted here, including those set apart for the refugees: three cities—Bosor, Ramoth, and Gablon—allocated beyond the Jordan for the two and a half tribes, alongside three on the other side—Kadesh, Shechem, and Cariafarbeh. Within this allegorical depiction, along with the dwelling and lives of the saints, it was unnecessary to include details about provisions for the fugitives and the earthly necessities of Israel, as they aspired to reach this city amidst trials and peril, echoing the sentiment expressed through the saints: "I am a stranger and an alien, as were all my fathers” (Psalm 38:13); and "I am with the villages of Kidar, my soul is many" (Psalm 119:5-6).