Josh. 21 Cities given out of the other tribes by lot to the Levites, Josh. 21:1–8. Particularly to the priests, the children of Aaron, Josh. 21:9–19; to the Levites, the Kohathites, Josh. 21:20–26, the Gershonites, Josh. 21:27–33, and Merarites, Josh.

Then, i.e. when the whole land was distributed unto the several tribes, but not actually possessed by them; which was the proper season for them to put in their claim.

It seems most probable that they gave to the Levites promiscuously such cities as God commanded, and that the lot appropriated them to their several houses or families. Out of their inheritance, i.e.

Which three tribes were nearest to the temple, where their business lay. Thirteen cities; for though the priests were now few enough for one city, yet respect was to be had to their succeeding numbers; this division being made for all future generations.

The children of Kohath were of Aaron’s family, or priests, but Levites only. These tribes are nearest to the three former, and so the Kohathites are placed next to their brethren the Aaronites.

These cities with their suburbs; of which See Poole “Num. 35:2”.

Judah and Simeon are mentioned together, because the cities of Simeon lay within Judah’s portion.

Of the families, i.e. of the family, the plural number for the singular, which is not unusual.

The fields of the city, i.e. all beyond the 2000 cubits expressed Num. 35:5. This is here mentioned, not as his peculiar case, but as one eminent instance, to show that it was so in all the rest of the cities here named; that the fields and villages thereof still belonged to the several tribes from…

Holon, called Hilen, 1 Chron. 6:58, as Juttah here is called Ashan, 1 Chron. 6:59, and Kibzaim called Jokmeam, 1 Chron. 6:68, and so some others, the names of the places being changed by length of time, and upon special occasions, as was frequent among the Jews; though their doctors add, that some…

Ain here, and Gibeon Josh. 21:17, and some others here named, are not named 1 Chron. 6:0, either because they were destroyed in some of those hostile invasions and wars wherewith their land was grievously harassed and wasted before that time; or they appear there under other names, as was said.

The families which remained of the children of Kohath, over and above those of them who were priests.

To wit, that half which dwelt in Canaan, by comparing this with Josh. 21:27.

Bezer, a city of refuge, as it is called Josh. 20:8, and therefore needless to be here repeated.

Quest. Why hath this tribe, which was the least of all, more cities than any of them? Answ. First, It doth not appear that they had more; for though all the cities of the Levites be expressed, it is not so with the other tribes, but divers of their cities are omitted, as is evident.

He gave them the right to all, and the actual possession of the greatest part of it, and power to possess the rest as soon as it was needful and convenient for them, which was by degrees, when their numbers were increased, &c., Ex.

To wit, all the days of Joshua, by comparing Josh. 1:5, for afterwards it was otherwise with them.