יהושע, פרק י״ד, פסוק ד׳

Dividing the land of Canaan among the Israelites required a precise numerical balance to maintain the traditional twelve portions. The tribe of Levi did not receive a tribal territory, which naturally created a gap in this count. The primary approach among commentators is that this numerical shortage was resolved through the descendants of Joseph. Because the Levites did not receive a land inheritance, Joseph's family was divided into two distinct tribes: Manasseh and Ephraim. By doing so, they filled the missing spot and took the place of the tribe of Levi in the division of the land. This privilege of receiving a double portion had already been established earlier during the time of Moses [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

It is clear that the Levites were granted no actual territory in the land, a rule upheld by both Moses and Joshua [מצודת דוד]. Instead, the other tribes contributed specific cities from their own lands for the Levites to inhabit. These cities were provided strictly for residential purposes and did not become the absolute property of the Levites [מצודת דוד].

In addition to the residential areas, the Levites were given open spaces surrounding each city [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. These areas included structures located just outside the walls, almost as if they were pushed out from the city center [מצודת ציון]. This open land was essential for the daily needs of the Levites, specifically serving as space for their animals. The allocation accommodated all their livestock, providing space for both their large cattle and their smaller flocks [רד״ק] and [מצודת ציון].