1 Chronicles 4:40

KJV

And they found fat pasture and good, and the land [was] wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for [they] of Ham had dwelt there of old.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they found {H4672} fat {H8082} pasture {H4829} and good {H2896}, and the land {H776} was wide {H7342}{H3027}, and quiet {H8252}, and peaceable {H7961}; for they of Ham {H2526} had dwelt {H3427} there of old {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They found rich, good pastures; and the land was spacious, quiet and peaceful. Those who had lived there previously belonged to Ham.

Berean Standard Bible

There they found rich, good pasture, and the land was spacious, peaceful, and quiet; for some Hamites had lived there formerly.

American Standard Version

And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for they that dwelt there aforetime were of Ham.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse from the genealogies of 1 Chronicles describes the successful territorial expansion of certain Simeonite families who, in their search for new dwelling places, discovered an exceptionally fertile and secure region. It highlights God's faithful provision and blessing for His people, offering a vivid portrayal of the ideal conditions of abundance, peace, and security that characterized this newly acquired land, which had previously been inhabited by descendants of Ham.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 4:40 is strategically placed within the extensive genealogies of 1 Chronicles, specifically concluding a narrative segment focused on the tribe of Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:24-43). The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 4:34-39) detail the remarkable increase in numbers of particular Simeonite clans, leading to their pressing need for expanded territory beyond their original, somewhat limited inheritance, which was largely enclaved within the larger territory of Judah, as detailed in [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1-9 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance within Judah"). This verse serves as the triumphant climax of their quest for new land, providing a positive resolution to their territorial challenges and setting the stage for their subsequent military campaigns against the Amalekites (1 Chronicles 4:41-43), demonstrating God's continued favor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in this passage are explicitly dated to the reign of King Hezekiah (1 Chronicles 4:41), placing them centuries after the initial Israelite conquest of Canaan. By this later period, the rigid tribal boundaries established during Joshua's time had become more fluid, prompting various Israelite groups, including the Simeonites, to seek new or expanded holdings. In an agrarian society heavily dependent on livestock, the discovery of "fat pasture and good" land was paramount, directly signifying economic prosperity, sustainability, and the capacity to support a growing population. A "wide, quiet, and peaceable" land represented the ancient ideal: security from external raids, ample natural resources, and freedom from internal strife—a stark contrast to the often precarious and conflict-ridden existence of communities in the ancient Near East. The mention of "they of Ham" refers to pre-Israelite inhabitants, likely various Canaanite or other Hamitic groups, whose prior occupation of the land might have contributed to its developed state and its availability for the Simeonites' peaceful settlement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Provision**, illustrating God's unwavering faithfulness in providing for His people's needs, even when they must actively seek out new opportunities. The detailed description of the land emphasizes **Abundance and Security**, reflecting a state of ideal well-being and flourishing that God desires for His covenant people. Furthermore, it directly engages with the theme of **Inheritance and Land Possession**, a foundational motif throughout Israel's history, from the initial promises given to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham")) to the detailed allocation of tribal territories in the book of Joshua (e.g., [Joshua 18](/joshua/18 "Joshua 18 - Division of Land by Lot")). The peaceful acquisition of land previously occupied by "they of Ham" also subtly highlights the ongoing process of **Territorial Displacement and Settlement** within the Promised Land, often understood as a fulfillment of divine judgment against wicked nations, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 9:5](/deuteronomy/9-5 "Deuteronomy 9:5 - Dispossession of Nations for Righteousness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fat (Hebrew, _shâmên'_):** From H8082, this word describes something "greasy," "gross," or figuratively "rich," "lusty," and "plenteous." When applied to pasture, it denotes exceptional fertility, lushness, and productivity. It signifies land that is not merely adequate but abundantly capable of sustaining large herds and flocks, indicating a state of great prosperity and flourishing.
* **Quiet (Hebrew, _shâqaṭ'_):** From H8252, this root means "to repose," implying stillness, rest, and freedom from disturbance or agitation. In the context of the land, it conveys an absence of conflict, invasion, or internal unrest. It speaks to a profound state of security and tranquility, which was highly prized in the often-volatile ancient world.
* **Peaceable (Hebrew, _shâlêv'_):** From H7961, this word encompasses more than just the absence of war. It implies tranquility, being "at ease," and experiencing "security" and "prosperity." When applied to land, it signifies a holistic state where all conditions—economic, social, and environmental—are conducive to flourishing. It reinforces the idea of a secure and prosperous environment, free from threats and conducive to a settled, unmolested life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they found fat pasture and good":** This initial clause immediately highlights the Simeonite's successful quest and the exceptional quality of their discovery. The phrase "fat pasture" indicates land of extraordinary fertility, ideal for their pastoral economy, while "and good" further emphasizes its desirable nature, suggesting it met or exceeded all their expectations for productive land.
* **"and the land [was] wide, and quiet, and peaceable":** This expands on the characteristics of the discovered territory, painting a comprehensive picture of its ideal state. "Wide" suggests ample space for expansion, growth, and unhindered movement, indicating a generous and unconfined territory. The combination of "quiet" and "peaceable" powerfully conveys the security and tranquility of the region, signifying that it was free from external threats, internal strife, or any form of disturbance, presenting a truly desirable environment for long-term settlement and prosperity.
* **"for [they] of Ham had dwelt there of old":** This explanatory clause provides crucial historical context for the land's desirable condition. It suggests that the land had been previously settled and likely cultivated by descendants of Ham (pre-Israelite inhabitants), implying that their prior habitation had perhaps cleared, developed, or maintained the land, making it ready for immediate use. This also subtly points to the broader biblical narrative of territorial shifts and divine sovereignty, where lands once occupied by others become available for God's chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Descriptive Language** to paint a vivid and appealing picture of the newly acquired land. Words like "fat," "good," "wide," "quiet," and "peaceable" are carefully chosen to evoke a strong sense of abundance, security, and ideal living conditions. This rich description elevates the simple act of finding land into a profound testament of divine favor and provision for the Simeonites. Furthermore, there is an implied **Contrast** between the Simeonites' previous cramped and limited inheritance and this expansive, fertile, and tranquil new home, underscoring the magnitude of their blessing. The final clause, "for [they] of Ham had dwelt there of old," functions as a concise **Historical Note**, providing context and validating the land's established quality and availability, while also subtly hinting at the broader narrative of territorial shifts and divine sovereignty over the Promised Land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 4:40 stands as a profound testament to God's faithful and abundant provision for His people. Even within the seemingly dry lists of genealogies, this verse shines as a narrative of divine blessing, demonstrating that when God's people actively seek Him and step out in faith, He often leads them to places of unexpected prosperity and peace. The "fat pasture" speaks to God's material blessing and His concern for the physical well-being of His people, while the "quiet and peaceable" land points to the deeper spiritual rest and security that God desires for His children. This echoes the long-standing promise of a land flowing with milk and honey, a place of ultimate flourishing and freedom from oppression, which is a recurring motif of God's covenant faithfulness.

* [Psalm 23:2](/psalm/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - The Lord Leads to Green Pastures")
* [Deuteronomy 8:7-9](/deuteronomy/8-7-9 "Deuteronomy 8:7-9 - Description of the Promised Land")
* [Isaiah 32:18](/isaiah/32-18 "Isaiah 32:18 - Dwelling in Peaceful Habitations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Simeonite experience in 1 Chronicles 4:40 offers a powerful and enduring encouragement for believers today. It serves as a vivid reminder that God is not only concerned with our spiritual well-being but also with the practical aspects of our lives, including our provision, security, and peace. Just as the Simeonites actively sought new territory and found it abundantly blessed, we are called to diligently seek God's will and pursue opportunities, trusting that He will guide us to places of flourishing. This verse invites us to cultivate a posture of active faith, believing that God's provision often exceeds our expectations, leading us to "wide, quiet, and peaceable" spaces in our lives—whether that be in our homes, workplaces, relationships, or communities. It encourages us to pursue peace, to be good stewards of the resources God provides, and to recognize His sovereign hand in providing not just what is sufficient, but what is truly good, abundant, and conducive to a life of rest and security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking "fat pasture and good" provision, and how can you trust God more fully in that pursuit, knowing His desire to bless?**
* **What does it truly mean for your life or community to be "quiet and peaceable," and what active steps can you take to contribute to such an environment, reflecting God's peace?**
* **How does the Simeonites' proactive search for land inspire you to seek out opportunities for growth and blessing in your own life, rather than passively waiting for circumstances to change?**

### FAQ

**Who were "they of Ham" mentioned in this verse, and why is their previous dwelling significant?**

Answer: "They of Ham" refers to the descendants of Ham, one of Noah's sons. In biblical genealogies and historical narratives, the Hamitic peoples are often associated with the early inhabitants of Canaan and surrounding regions, including groups like the Canaanites, Philistines, and Egyptians, as outlined in [Genesis 10:6-20](/genesis/10-6-20 "Genesis 10:6-20 - The Table of Nations"). Their previous dwelling in this land is significant for several reasons. First, it implies that the land was not wild or undeveloped but had been previously settled, cultivated, and perhaps even improved, making it immediately suitable and desirable for the Simeonites' pastoral and agricultural needs. Second, it subtly points to the unfolding of God's sovereign plan, where lands once occupied by other nations become available for His covenant people. This often occurred as a consequence of divine judgment against the wickedness of those nations, a theme evident throughout the narratives of the conquest of Canaan, where the land "vomited out" its inhabitants (e.g., [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24-28 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Land Vomiting Out Its Inhabitants")). Thus, the Simeonites' peaceful acquisition of the land from the Hamites signifies divine favor and the ongoing fulfillment of God's promises regarding the inheritance of the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:40 describes a literal finding of a promised land of abundance and peace for the Simeonites, it beautifully foreshadows the ultimate provision and rest found in Christ. The "fat pasture and good" and the "wide, quiet, and peaceable" land point to the richer spiritual realities of the new covenant. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, leads His sheep not merely to physical sustenance but to the richest spiritual pastures of eternal life and abundant grace (cf. [John 10:9-10](/john/10-9-10 "John 10:9-10 - Jesus, the Gate and Abundant Life")). He is our true inheritance, providing a life that transcends material wealth and offers a profound peace that the world cannot give, a peace that guards our hearts and minds (cf. [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace") and [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). The "quiet and peaceable" land ultimately finds its fulfillment in the deep spiritual rest and security believers experience in Christ, who has overcome the world and secured our eternal dwelling place, a heavenly city where there is no more striving, conflict, or sorrow (cf. [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People") and [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")). In Him, we discover the ultimate "wide" space for our souls, free from the narrow confines of sin and fear, dwelling in the expansive freedom and boundless grace of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 18:7

¶ Then the five men departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people that [were] therein, how they dwelt careless, after the manner of the Zidonians, quiet and secure; and [there was] no magistrate in the land, that might put [them] to shame in [any] thing; and they [were] far from the Zidonians, and had no business with [any] man.

Judges 18:10

When ye go, ye shall come unto a people secure, and to a large land: for God hath given it into your hands; a place where [there is] no want of any thing that [is] in the earth.

Psalms 105:23

Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.

Genesis 9:22

And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.

Genesis 9:29

And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died.

Genesis 10:6

¶ And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.

Psalms 78:51

And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of [their] strength in the tabernacles of Ham: