38. These were the names of some of the leaders of Simeon’s wealthy clans. Their families grew,
39. and they traveled to the region of Gerar, in the east part of the valley, seeking pastureland for their flocks.
40. They found lush pastures there, and the land was spacious, quiet, and peaceful.Some of Ham’s descendants had been living in that region.
41. But during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, these leaders of Simeon invaded the region and completely destroyed the homes of the descendants of Ham and of the Meunites. No trace of them remains today. They killed everyone who lived there and took the land for themselves, because they wanted its good pastureland for their flocks.