THEOSISJerome of Stridon
The detailed account of the territories of Judah and the tribes serves as a foreshadowing of the future Church in heaven. By examining the Book of Joshua or the concluding sections of the Book of Ezekiel, one can observe that the historical distribution of land aligns with the spiritual realms in heaven. What are we to make of the seven and eight steps outlined in the description of the temple (Ezekiel 40:20-37)? Moreover, what is the meaning behind the fact that in the Psalms, following the teaching of the mystical alphabet presented in Psalm 118, we find ourselves singing, "Bless the Lord now, all the servants of the Lord," at the conclusion of fifteen steps, in the house of the Lord, in the courts of our God during the night (Psalm 133:1)?
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Why did two and a half tribes choose to settle beyond the Jordan in areas conducive to raising livestock, while the other nine and a half tribes either displaced the original inhabitants or coexisted with them? Why was the tribe of Levi denied land inheritance, receiving the Lord himself instead (Num. 18:20)? Furthermore, how is it that among the priests and Levites, only the high priest is permitted to enter the holy of holies, where the cherubim and the mercy seat reside (Lev. 16:2; Heb. 9:1-7)? Why must the other priests wear linen garments (Ex. 28ff.), avoiding gold, amethyst, scarlet, purple, and linen? The lower-ranking priests and Levites tended to the oxen and carts, while those of higher rank transported the Ark of the Covenant upon their shoulders. If one does not consider the entire structure of the tabernacle, the temple, and the Church—using a military analogy, if everything is consolidated under one banner—then there is no need for bishops, priests, or deacons. Why must women persevere? Why should widows endure suffering? Why are married women called to practice abstinence? If this order holds no significance, let us all sin, repent one day, and become like the apostles.