The term "kesitah" appears in the Bible as a unit of currency or weight, though its exact value and form remain somewhat obscure. The word is found in three passages: Genesis 33:19, Joshua 24:32, and Job 42:11. In each instance, the kesitah is associated with transactions or gifts, indicating its use as a medium of exchange in ancient times.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 33:19 · "He purchased the plot of land where he had pitched his tent from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver." The term "pieces of silver" is understood by many scholars to refer to kesitahs. This passage describes Jacob's acquisition of land near Shechem, highlighting the use of kesitahs in significant transactions.

2. Joshua 24:32 · "And the bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought up from Egypt, were buried at Shechem in the plot of land that Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver." This verse reiterates the transaction mentioned in Genesis, emphasizing the historical and familial significance of the land purchased with kesitahs.

3. Job 42:11 · "All his brothers and sisters and former acquaintances came to him and dined with him in his house. They consoled him and comforted him over all the adversity the LORD had brought upon him. And each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring." Here, the "piece of silver" is again interpreted as a kesitah, given to Job as a gesture of support and restoration after his trials.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The kesitah is believed to have been a form of currency used in the patriarchal period, possibly a weight of silver or a specific coin. Its exact nature is not detailed in the biblical text, leading to various interpretations by scholars. Some suggest it may have been a stamped piece of metal, while others propose it was a weight measure similar to a shekel.

The use of kesitahs in these passages underscores the economic practices of the time, where silver served as a primary medium of exchange. The transactions involving kesitahs reflect the broader ancient Near Eastern context, where trade and commerce were integral to societal interactions.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of kesitahs in these biblical narratives highlights themes of covenant, inheritance, and restoration. In Genesis and Joshua, the purchase of land with kesitahs signifies the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan. In Job, the giving of kesitahs symbolizes the restoration and blessing of Job by his community, reflecting God's ultimate justice and mercy.

The kesitah, though a minor detail, serves as a reminder of the historical and cultural realities of the biblical world, providing insight into the daily lives and economic practices of the people through whom God worked His divine purposes.Kesitahs (2 Occurrences)

Genesis 33:19
And he bought the portion of the field where he had spread his tent, of the hand of the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, for a hundred kesitahs.
(DBY)

Joshua 24:32
And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel had brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem in the portion of the field which Jacob had bought of the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, for a hundred kesitahs; and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.
(DBY)

Kesitahs (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kesitahs (2 Occurrences). Genesis 33:19 And he
bought the portion of the field where he had spread his ...
/k/kesitahs.htm - 7k

Kesitah (3 Occurrences)
... Genesis 33:19 And he bought the portion of the field where he had spread his tent,
of the hand of the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, for a hundred kesitahs. ...
/k/kesitah.htm - 8k

Kesulloth (1 Occurrence)

/k/kesulloth.htm - 6k

Money (284 Occurrences)
... 16), and again in connection with Jacob's purchase of a field at Shalem (Genesis
33:18, 19) for "an hundred pieces of money"=an hundred Hebrew kesitahs (qv), ie ...
/m/money.htm - 69k

Shechem's (5 Occurrences)
... out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem in the portion of the field which Jacob had
bought of the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, for a hundred kesitahs; and it ...
/s/shechem's.htm - 8k

Portion (227 Occurrences)
... Genesis 33:19 And he bought the portion of the field where he had spread his tent,
of the hand of the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, for a hundred kesitahs. ...
/p/portion.htm - 41k

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