John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. And the Lord spake to Moses , etc.] After he had described the borders of the land, and given instructions about the division of it among the several tribes, and named the persons that should be concerned in parting and putting it into the possession of the Israelites, he makes a provision for the Levites; for though they had no inheritance in the land as a tribe, yet it was proper they should have cities and houses to dwell in; for it would not be suitable that they should be always about the tabernacle, as they were in the wilderness; and it is concerning this the Lord is said to speak to Moses, in the plains of Moab by Jordan, near Jericho : where the Israelites now were, and had been for some time: saying ; as follows.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - The cities of the priests and Levites were not only to accommodat them, but to place them, as religious teachers, in several parts of the land. For though the typical service of the tabernacle or temple wa only in one place, the preaching of the word of God, and prayer an praise, were not thus confined. These cities were to be given out of each tribe. Each thus made a grateful acknowledgement to God. Eac tribe had the benefit of the Levites dwelling amongst them, to teac them the knowledge of the Lord; thus no parts of the country were lef to sit in darkness. The gospel provides that he who is taught in the word, should communicate to him that teaches, in all good things, God 6:6. We are to free God's ministers from distracting cares, and to leave them at leisure for the duties of their station; so that they ma be wholly employed therein, and avail themselves of every opportunity by acts of kindness, to gain the good-will of the people, and to dra their attention.
Original Hebrew וידבר1696 יהוה3068 אל413 משׁה4872 בערבת6160 מואב4124 על5921 ירדן3383 ירחו3405 לאמר׃559
