John Calvin Commentary Joshua 21:1

"Then came near the heads of fathers` [houses] of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of fathers` [houses] of the tribes of the children of Israel;" — Joshua 21:1 (ASV)

Then came near the heads, and so on. Here we have, at a later period, a narrative of what ought to have preceded. For no cities of refuge were appointed before they had been assigned to the Levites. To this may be added what was previously said: that Joshua and Eleazar had finished dividing the land.

Now, the land was not truly divided until the dwelling place of the Levites was established. We must understand, therefore, that when the lot was cast in the name of the ten tribes, a reservation was made of cities in the land of Canaan for the dwelling place of the Levites. Beyond the Jordan, their portion had already been assigned to them.

But as the Levites came forward and requested a ratification of the divine grant, it is probable that they were neglected until they pleaded their own cause. For this is apt to happen: everyone is so attentive in looking after their own affairs that even brothers and sisters are forgotten.

It was certainly disgraceful to the people that they needed to be pulled by the ear and reminded of what the Lord had clearly ordered concerning the Levites. But if they had not demanded a home for themselves, there was a risk of their being left to live in the open air. Although, at the same time, we are permitted to infer that the people erred more from carelessness and forgetfulness than from any intention to deceive, as they made no delay as soon as they were admonished. Indeed, they are praised for their obedience in that they did what was just and right according to the word of the Lord.