THEOSISJerome of Stridon
There will be a unified inheritance extending from the border of Dan on the eastern side to the sea named Dan, and another inheritance stretching from the Dan border on the east to the sea of Asher. The territory from Dan’s eastern border will reach to the seashore of Asher, encompassing one inheritance. Beyond the Asher border, one inheritance will extend from the east to the seashore of Naphtali. Further past the Naphtali border, one inheritance will run from the eastern edge to the seashore of Manasseh. Continuing beyond Manasseh's border, from the east to the seashore, one inheritance will lead to Ephraim. Moving beyond Ephraim's border from the east side to the seashore, one inheritance belongs to Reuben.
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Lastly, beyond Reuben's border on the eastern edge leading to the seashore will be an inheritance for Judah. In total, seven tribes are accounted for, from the northern boundaries towards Ephalon and Emath, along with the court of Aser - Enom, and the boundary of Damascus from the north near Emath, previously discussed. After the tribes, the roles of the priests and Levites are introduced, along with the Lord's sanctuary at the center, which includes the holy of holies.
The city is described as having a perimeter of four thousand five hundred cubits on each side, as well as the suburbs designated for the priests and Levites and the portion allocated to the prince. Following this, on the right side, are five tribes listed similarly, beginning with Benjamin, followed by Simeon—possessing a separate allocation, not combined with Judah—then Issachar as the third, Zebulun fourth, and Gad fifth, with three gates on each side of the city. The name of the city itself will be etched on a golden plaque worn by the high priest. Each aspect will be discussed thoroughly later. Notably, the account omits the forty-eight cities mentioned in the book of Numbers, which were allotted to the Levites for habitation, including the cities of refuge: three beyond the Jordan for two-and-a-half tribes—Bosor, Ramoth, and Gablon—and three on this side—Kadesh, Shechem, and Cariafarbeh. In this symbolic portrayal, alongside the dwelling and the life of the saints, it was unnecessary to elaborate on provisions for the refuge seekers or the needs of Israel while still journeying on earth amidst trials and dangers, striving to reach this sacred city. It echoes the sentiment of the saints who declare: “I am a stranger and an alien, as were all my fathers” (Psalms 38:13), and “I am with the villages of Kidar; my soul is very much troubled” (Psalm 119:5-6).