1 Chronicles 4:40
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It's easy to skim over, but notice how the text connects the land's peace and abundance directly to the departure of the original inhabitants, who "belonged to Ham." This isn't just a historical note; it highlights how God's people often inherit blessings and peace in places previously held by those who were not aligned with His ways. It's a reminder that God can clear the way for His promises to be fulfilled, bringing rest where there was once turmoil.
where they found rich, good pasture, and the land was very broad, quiet, and peaceful, for the former inhabitants there belonged to Ham.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage occurs within a section detailing the genealogies of Judah, but here, the Chronicler takes a surprising turn to describe a specific family, the Simeonites. They are depicted as venturing into a fertile, peaceful land that had previously been inhabited by the descendants of Ham, finding it to be a place of abundance and security. This contrasts with the more tumultuous accounts elsewhere and highlights a moment of God-given rest and prosperity for this group.
Have you ever felt like you were fighting for scraps, while a feast lay just out of reach? This verse reveals a place where abundance was readily available.
The descendants of Simeon found a land that was incredibly well-suited for their livestock. They discovered:
The reason for the peace is intriguing. It wasn't necessarily that the former inhabitants were annihilated, but that they belonged to Ham. What does this subtle distinction teach us?
The text points out the reason for the land's peace: "for the former inhabitants there belonged to Ham." This isn't about racial purity or conquest in the typical sense. Instead, it suggests a divine ordering:
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Understand the original words
Cham · Hebrew Proper Noun
Often used in Scripture to represent the descendants of Noah's son Ham. Historically, they were associated with various nations in Africa and the Levant. In this context, it identifies the previous occupants of the territory conquered or settled by the tribe of Simeon.
The Simeonites' discovery of abundant pasture and peace highlights the residual effects of earlier conquests and the ongoing search for stability in a land frequently disrupted by conflict and shifting populations.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Conquer Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquered much of Canaan, dispossessing many of the native peoples.
c. 1350 BC
Amarna Letters Discovered
These letters from Canaanite rulers mention ongoing conflicts and societal instability within the land.
c. 1050 BC
Philistine Ascendancy
The Philistines gained significant power along the coast, often clashing with the Israelites and other groups.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy Established
Saul, David, and Solomon ruled a unified Israel, expanding territory and establishing relative peace.
c. 930 BC
Kingdom Divides
The unified kingdom split into Israel (North) and Judah (South), often leading to internal strife and external pressure.
c. 730 BC
Assyrian Expansion
The powerful Assyrian Empire began its aggressive expansion into the Levant, subjugating smaller kingdoms.
c. 715 BC— this verse
Simeonites Settle
This passage describes a group of Simeonites finding and settling in a fertile, peaceful region previously inhabited by the Hamites.
This passage describes the land of Canaan as being able to 'by all means go up' and conquer, echoing the potential for abundance and peace found by the Simeonites.
Joshua 11:23It states that Joshua gave the whole land to Israel as an inheritance, fulfilling the promise of rest and security described in 1 Chronicles.
Psalm 23:2This Psalm speaks of the Lord making His people lie down in green pastures and leading them beside still waters, which beautifully parallels the 'rich, good pasture' and 'quiet, and peaceful' land described.
Isaiah 32:17-18This prophecy foretells a time when righteousness will produce peace and quiet confidence, mirroring the peaceful conditions the Simeonites found after displacing the former inhabitants.
It's easy to skim over, but notice how the text connects the land's peace and abundance directly to the departure of the original inhabitants, who "belonged to Ham." This isn't just a historical note; it highlights how God's people often inherit blessings and peace in places previously held by those who were not aligned with His ways. It's a reminder that God can clear the way for His promises to be fulfilled, bringing rest where there was once turmoil.
This passage occurs within a section detailing the genealogies of Judah, but here, the Chronicler takes a surprising turn to describe a specific family, the Simeonites. They are depicted as venturing into a fertile, peaceful land that had previously been inhabited by the descendants of Ham, finding it to be a place of abundance and security. This contrasts with the more tumultuous accounts elsewhere and highlights a moment of God-given rest and prosperity for this group.
This passage occurs within a section detailing the genealogies of Judah, but here, the Chronicler takes a surprising turn to describe a specific family, the Simeonites. They are depicted as venturing into a fertile, peaceful land that had previously been inhabited by the descendants of Ham, finding it to be a place of abundance and security. This contrasts with the more tumultuous accounts elsewhere and highlights a moment of God-given rest and prosperity for this group.
"where they found rich, good pasture, and the land was very broad, quiet, and peaceful, for the former inhabitants there belonged to Ham." — It's easy to skim over, but notice how the text connects the land's peace and abundance directly to the departure of the original inhabitants, who "belonged to Ham." This isn't just a historical no…
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Last reviewed October 2026
