The BibleTexts.com Glossary of Terms

Peniel or Penuel

 

Harper’s Bible Dictionary

edited by Paul J. Achtemier (San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1985)

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Penuel. Penuel (or Peniel; Heb., ‘face of God’), a city located on the Jabbok (modern River Zerqa), east of the Jordan. Here Jacob wrestled with a ‘man’ (Gen. 32:24-31). Gideon was refused food by its inhabitants (Judg. 8:8-9) and later took revenge (Judg. 8:25). It was ‘built’ by Jeroboam (ca. 924-903 b.c.; 1 Kings 12:25) and is probably listed as one of the cities conquered by Pharaoh Shishak (ca. 922 b.c.). Commentators locate it at modern Tulul edh-Dhahab, particularly the eastern mound. In 1 Chron. 4:4 and 8:25 it is probably used as a personal name.

 

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