THEOSISJerome of Stridon
And there shall be a single inheritance from the border of Dan extending from the eastern side to the sea of Dan, and one inheritance from the border of Dan from the east to the sea of Asher. Thus, from the border of Dan on the eastern side to the seashore of Asher, there exists one distinct inheritance. Moreover, beyond the boundary of Asher, from the east to the seacoast leading to Naphtali, lies another inheritance. Continuing beyond Naphtali’s border, from the east side to the sea side, we find yet another inheritance allocated to Manasseh. Following this, beyond Manasseh's border from east to sea lies the inheritance for Ephraim. Furthermore, beyond Ephraim's boundary from the east to the seashore, there is a set inheritance for Reuben.
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Lastly, beyond Reuben, from the east to the coastal region, one inheritance is designated for Judah. This description outlines the allocation of the holy land in accordance with the vision provided by Ezekiel and the account found in the book of Numbers. The territories of each tribe are articulated from the east to the west, culminating at the seacoast, beginning with the northern border heading towards Ephalon, leading up to Emath and the court, or Aser - Enom, as well as the vicinity of Damascus from the north near Emath. The inheritance starts with Dan, followed by Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and finally, Judah on the left side, adding up to seven tribes. Following these tribal inheritances is the establishment designated for the priests and Levites, alongside the sanctuary of the Lord positioned centrally, featuring the holy of holies. The city itself is also delineated, measuring four thousand five hundred canes on each side. The surrounding areas for the priests and Levites, along with the territory belonging to the prince, are described in sequence. Afterward, on the right side, five more tribes follow, similarly ranging from east to west; Benjamin leads, followed by Simeon, which possesses its own distinct territory, differing from Judah’s. Next is Issachar, then Zebulun, and finally Gad, each represented alongside three gates on each side of the city, with the city's name inscribed on a golden plaque across the forehead of the high priest. Further details will be expounded in their proper context. It's noteworthy that the names of the forty-eight cities allocated to the Levites, as stated in the book of Numbers, along with their suburbs, are notably absent; these include cities designated for refuge, with three, specifically Bosor, Ramoth, and Gablon, located east of the Jordan among two and a half tribes, while Kadesh, Shechem, and Cariafarbeh reside west of the Jordan. The essence of the depiction here centers on the dwelling of the saints and their life, rendering unnecessary a discussion of what served to shelter the fugitives and what Israel required during their earthly journey filled with trials and tribulations, racing towards this city and voicing through each of the saints, "I am a stranger and an alien, as were all my forebearers" (Psalms 38:13). As stated elsewhere, "I am with the villages of Kidar" and my soul is deeply troubled (Psalm 119:5-6).