Job 42:11 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Then came there unto him all his brethren, &c.— Job being restored to his former health and possessions, the author presents us with a striking view of human friendship. His brethren, who in the time of his affliction kept at a distance from him; his kinsfolks, who ceased to know him; his familiar friends, who had forgotten him; and his acquaintance, who had made themselves perfect strangers to him; those to whom he had shewn kindness, and who yet had ungratefully neglected him; on the return of his prosperity, now come and condole with him, desirous of renewing their former familiarity; and, according to the custom of the eastern countries, where there is no approaching a great man without a present, each brings him a קשׂיטה kesitah, and each a jewel of gold. The word נזם nezem signifies, properly a nose jewel, which is commonly worn in the east to this day. See Herbert's Travels, p. 124 where a Drawing of them will be found. The word קשׂיטה kesitah has much divided the commentators. See Genesis 33:19. There seems to be no doubt that it was a piece of money with the stamp or impress of a lamb upon it, as the original word signifies. Mr. Peters observes, that as Job's friends presented him only with a single piece of money, we may conclude that money was in those days a great rarity; and therefore we find no mention of it where the wealth of Job is reckoned up, but only of oxen, sheep, camels, &c. agreeable to the simplicity of those very ancient times. See Spanheim's Hist. Jobi, c. 11.