34 To the families of the sons of Merari , the rest of the Levites , they gave from the tribe of Zebulun , Jokneam with its pasture lands and Kartah with its pasture lands . 35 Dimnah with its pasture lands , Nahalal with its pasture lands ; four cities . 36 From the tribe of Reuben , they gave Bezer with its pasture lands and Jahaz with its pasture lands , 37 Kedemoth with its pasture lands and Mephaath with its pasture lands ; four cities . 38 From the tribe of Gad , they gave Ramoth in Gilead , the city of refuge for the manslayer , with its pasture lands and Mahanaim with its pasture lands , 39 Heshbon with its pasture lands , Jazer with its pasture lands ; four cities in all . 40 All these were the cities of the sons of Merari according to their families , the rest of the families of the Levites ; and their lot was twelve e 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.