Joshua 21:8

8 So the Israelites gave the Levites these towns and the pastures around them, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.

Joshua 21:8 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 21:8

And the children of Israel gave by lot unto the Levites these
cities with their suburbs
Reaching two thousand cubits from the cities all around: these cities did not lie all together, and so could not be described by their coasts; but in the several tribes, and intermixed with their cities; which fulfilled Jacob's prophecy, that they should be divided and scattered in Israel, ( Genesis 49:7 ) ; as well as it was so ordered for the benefit of the several tribes, that they might have the assistance of the priests and Levites, to instruct them in the knowledge of the laws and commandments of God, and all divine things:

as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses;
( Numbers 35:2 ) .

Joshua 21:8 In-Context

6 The people from the Gershon family groups were given thirteen towns in the land of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the East Manasseh in Bashan.

7 The family groups of Merari were given twelve towns in the areas of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.

8 So the Israelites gave the Levites these towns and the pastures around them, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.

9 These are the names of the towns that came from the lands of Judah and Simeon.

10 The first choice of towns was given to the Kohath family groups of the Levites.