Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Chronicles 4:40

"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." — 1 Chronicles 4:40 (ASV)

And they found fat pasture and good. — If Gerar was the correct reading in 1 Chronicles 4:39, we might compare Genesis 26:17 and following.

And the land was wide. —Genesis 34:21. Literally, broad of both hands — that is, on both sides. An open plain is meant.

And quiet and peaceable. — Like Laish, which the Danites took by surprise (Judges 18:7; Judges 18:28).

They of Ham had dwelt there of old. — That is, they who were then dwelling there were Hamites or Canaanites (1 Chronicles 1:8).

Of old. — Literally, before (lephânîm); that is, before the Simeonite invasion.