34 And for the families of the sons of Merari, the Levites, who are left, 'are,' out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam and its suburbs, Kartah and its suburbs, 35 Dimnah and its suburbs, Nahalal and its suburbs—four cities. 36 And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer and its suburbs, and Jahazah and its suburbs, 37 Kedemoth and its suburbs, and Mephaath and its suburbs—four cities. 38 And out of the tribe of Gad, the city of refuge 'for' the man-slayer, Ramoth in Gilead and its suburbs, and Mahanaim and its suburbs, 39 Heshbon and its suburbs, Jazer and its suburbs—'in' all four cities. 40 All the cities for the sons of Merari, for their families, who are left of the families of the Levites—their lot is twelve cities.
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.