Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
It was Job's complaint in his misery that his "brethren," were "estranged" from him (Job 19:13); these now return with the return of his prosperity (Proverbs 14:20; Proverbs 19:6-7); the true friend loveth at all times (Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 18:24). "Swallow friends leave in the winter and return with the spring" [HENRY].
eat bread—in token of friendship (Psalms 41:9).
piece of money—Presents are usual in visiting a man of rank in the East, especially after a calamity (II Chronicles 32:23). Hebrew, kesita. MAGEE translates "a lamb" (the medium of exchange then before money was used), as it is in Margin of Genesis 33:19; Joshua 24:32. But it is from the Arabic kasat, "weighed out" [UMBREIT], not coined; so Genesis 42:35; Genesis 33:19; compare with Genesis 23:15, makes it likely it was equal to four shekels; Hebrew kashat, "pure," namely, metal. The term, instead of the usual "shekel," etc., is a mark of antiquity.
earring—whether for the nose or ear (Genesis 35:4; Isaiah 3:21). Much of the gold in the East, in the absence of banks, is in the shape of ornaments.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Job 42:11:
Job 42:7
Jeremiah 16:7
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