Out of the tribe of Zebulun— Here are some names changed, and some omitted; for in Judges 21:34-35 four cities are assigned to the Merarites out of the tribe of Zebulun; whereas two only are mentioned here, the names of which are not the same. See and compare the places.
REFLECTIONS.—The Levites were distributed throughout the tribes, that the people might be better taught; taken off all worldly employments, that they might give themselves up to the work of the ministry; and liberally provided with cities to dwell in, and the tithes for their maintenance. The names of the cities are much the same as Joshua 21 except some trivial differences, which time may be supposed to have made. Note; (1.) They deserve a liberal provision, who labour in the word and doctrine. (2.) They who neglect the Levite's work, to eat the bread of the church in idleness, not only rob their brethren, but rob God also.