And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the Lord shall choose; (Deuteronomy 18:6)
The priests and Levites received 48 cities in Israel (Num. 35:7). Many would live at a distance from the sanctuary, but whenever they came they were to be granted the privilege of ministering according to their assigned family duty. The priesthood had not as yet been divided into courses (see 1 Chron. 23:6; 24:1; 2 Chron. 8:14).