Killed for Their Pastureland

These were the names of some of the leaders of Simeon’s wealthy clans, who traveled to the region of Gedor, in the east part of the valley, seeking pastureland for their flocks.  They found lush pastures there, and the land was quiet and peaceful.  Some of Ham’s descendants had been living in the region of Gedor.  But during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, the leaders of Simeon invaded it and completely destroyed the homes of the descendants of Ham and of the Meunites.  They killed everyone who lived there and took the land for themselves, because they wanted its good pastureland for their flocks.  Five hundred of these invaders from the tribe of Simeon went to Mount Seir, led by Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel – all sons of Ishi.  They destroyed the few Amalekites who had survived, and they have lived there ever since. (1 Chronicles 4:38-43 NLT)