Adam Clarke on Joshua 21:41

Forty and eight cities - At the last census of the Hebrew people, related Numbers 26, we find from Num 26:62 that the tribe of Levi amounted only to 23,000; and it is supposed that forty-eight cities were too great a proportion for this tribe, the other tribes having so very few. But,

1. All the cities of the other tribes are not enumerated.

2. They had the circumjacent country as well as the cities.

3. The Levites had no other cities than those enumerated.

4. They had no country annexed to their cities, the 2,000 cubits for their cattle, etc., excepted.

5. Cities in those ancient times were very small, as most villages went under this appellation.

6. The Levites had now the appointment that was suited to their consequent increase. The other tribes might enlarge their borders and make conquests, but this was not suitable to the mere servants of God; besides, had they made conquests, they would have become proprietors of the conquered land; and God determined that they should have no inheritance in Israel, He himself being their portion.