34 The Merari families, the remaining Levites, were given from the tribe of Zebulun: Jokneam, Kartah, 35 Dimnah, and Nahalal, with their pastures - four cities. 36 From the tribe of Reuben: Bezer, Jahaz, 37 Kedemoth, and Mephaath, with their pastures - four towns. 38 From the tribe of Gad: Ramoth in Gilead (an asylum-city for the unconvicted killer), Mahanaim, 39 Heshbon, and Jazer, with their pastures - a total of four towns. 40 All these towns were assigned by lot to the Merarites, the remaining Levites - twelve towns.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 21:34-40
Commentary on Joshua 21:9-42
(Read Joshua 21:9-42)
By mixing the Levites with the other tribes, they were made to see that the eyes of all Israel were upon them, and therefore it was their concern to walk so that their ministry might not be blamed. Every tribe had its share of Levites' cities. Thus did God graciously provide for keeping up religion among them, and that they might have the word in all parts of the land. Yet, blessed be God, we have the gospel more diffused amongst us.