34 The rest of the Levites-the Merari clan-were given the following towns with their pasturelands from the tribe of Zebulun: Jokneam, Kartah, 35 Dimnah, and Nahalal-four towns. 36 From the tribe of Reuben they received the following towns with their pasturelands: Bezer, Jahaz, 37 Kedemoth, and Mephaath-four towns. 38 From the tribe of Gad they received the following towns with their pasturelands: Ramoth in Gilead (a city of refuge for those who accidentally killed someone), Mahanaim, 39 Heshbon, and Jazer-four towns. 40 So in all, twelve towns were allotted to the clan of Merari.
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.