Job 42:11

Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.

Then came {H935} there unto him all his brethren {H251}, and all his sisters {H269}, and all they that had been of his acquaintance {H3045} before {H6440}, and did eat {H398} bread {H3899} with him in his house {H1004}: and they bemoaned {H5110} him, and comforted {H5162} him over all the evil {H7451} that the LORD {H3068} had brought {H935} upon him: every man {H376} also gave {H5414} him a {H259} piece of money {H7192}, and every one {H376} an earring {H5141} of gold {H2091}.

Then all his brothers and sisters came to him, also all who had known him before, and they ate a meal with him in his house. They consoled and comforted him for all the evils ADONAI had inflicted on him. Each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring.

All his brothers and sisters and prior acquaintances came and dined with him in his house. They consoled him and comforted him over all the adversity that the LORD had brought upon him. And each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring.

Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him concerning all the evil that Jehovah had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one a ring of gold.

Commentary

Job 42:11 marks a significant turning point in the Book of Job, depicting the restoration of Job's relationships and prosperity after his immense trials. This verse shows his family and former acquaintances returning to him, offering comfort and gifts, signifying the end of his isolation and the beginning of his renewed blessings from God.

Context

This verse immediately follows Job's profound encounter with God, where the Lord speaks to Job out of the whirlwind (Job 38-41), and Job humbles himself in repentance. Crucially, it comes right after God's rebuke of Job's three friends and Job's intercession for them, leading to the pivotal statement that "the LORD turned the captivity of Job" (Job 42:10). His family and friends, who may have distanced themselves during his period of suffering, now come forward to acknowledge his ordeal and offer their support.

Key Themes

  • Restoration of Relationships: The return of Job's brethren, sisters, and acquaintances signifies the healing of broken ties and the end of his social isolation. This highlights that divine restoration often includes relational reconciliation.
  • Compassion and Comfort: The act of "bemoaning" and "comforting" Job shows a recognition of his profound suffering. It underscores the importance of human empathy and support for those who have endured hardship, even if their understanding of the suffering's cause was previously flawed.
  • Divine Vindication and Blessing: The gifts of "a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold" are tangible symbols of Job's renewed wealth and God's favor. This contrasts sharply with his earlier destitution and losses (Job 1:14-17), demonstrating God's promise to bless Job more than he had at the beginning.
  • Community Support: The collective generosity of his community plays a role in his material restoration, illustrating how God can work through human hands to bring about His purposes.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "piece of money" translates the Hebrew word qesitah (or kesitah), an ancient unit of currency or weight, likely a valuable silver coin or ingot. This term also appears in Genesis 33:19 and Joshua 24:32, indicating its antiquity and value.
  • An "earring of gold" (Hebrew: nezem zahab) was a common and significant form of valuable jewelry in the ancient Near East, often given as a sign of respect or as a valuable gift.
  • The combined action of "bemoaned him, and comforted him" (Hebrew: nadah lo va'yenachamu) conveys a deep expression of sorrow and sympathy, followed by efforts to console and alleviate his grief. This acknowledges the "evil that the LORD had brought upon him," reflecting the common ancient understanding of God's direct involvement in all events.

Practical Application

Job 42:11 offers several timeless lessons. It teaches us the importance of extending compassion and practical help to those who have suffered, even if we previously misunderstood their situation. It reminds us that God's restoration often involves not just material blessings but also the mending of relationships and the return of a supportive community. For believers, it provides a powerful illustration of God's faithfulness and His ability to bring good out of great affliction, as seen in Romans 8:28. We are called to be instruments of comfort and reconciliation in the lives of others, just as Job's family and friends eventually became.

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Cross-References

  • Job 2:11

    ¶ Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.

  • Job 19:13

    He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me.

  • Job 19:14

    My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.

  • Proverbs 16:7

    ¶ When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

  • Genesis 24:22

    And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten [shekels] weight of gold;

  • Hebrews 12:12

    Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

  • Genesis 24:53

    And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave [them] to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.