Penu'el
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Etymology and Meaning:
Penu'el, also spelled Peniel, is a name derived from the Hebrew words "panim" (face) and "El" (God), meaning "Face of God." This name is significant in the biblical narrative as it marks a place of divine encounter.

Biblical References:
Penu'el is primarily mentioned in the context of Jacob's life in the Book of Genesis. The most notable reference is found in Genesis 32:30 : "So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, 'Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.'"

Historical and Theological Significance:
Penu'el is the site where Jacob wrestled with a mysterious man, who is often interpreted as an angel or a theophany, a visible manifestation of God. This encounter is pivotal in Jacob's life, marking a transformation in his character and relationship with God. The struggle at Penu'el results in Jacob receiving a new name, Israel, which means "he struggles with God" (Genesis 32:28). This event signifies a turning point, as Jacob moves from a life characterized by deception to one of divine blessing and covenantal promise.

Geographical Location:
Penu'el is located east of the Jordan River, near the Jabbok River. Its exact location is not definitively known today, but it is traditionally associated with the region of Gilead. The geographical setting underscores the transitional nature of Jacob's journey, as he moves from his past in Haran to his future in Canaan.

Cultural and Religious Context:
In the broader cultural and religious context of the Old Testament, encounters with God often occur at significant locations, which are then memorialized by naming or erecting altars. Penu'el serves as a testament to God's direct involvement in the lives of the patriarchs and His ongoing covenantal relationship with Israel.

Later References:
Penu'el is mentioned again in the Book of Judges. In Judges 8:8-9 , Gideon, during his pursuit of the Midianite kings, requests provisions from the men of Penu'el, who refuse him. In response, Gideon vows to tear down their tower upon his victorious return, which he later fulfills (Judges 8:17). This incident highlights the ongoing significance of Penu'el in Israel's history, as well as the challenges of faith and obedience faced by its inhabitants.

Symbolism and Legacy:
Penu'el symbolizes a place of divine encounter and transformation. It represents the idea that wrestling with God can lead to a deeper understanding and a renewed identity. For believers, Penu'el serves as a reminder of the personal and transformative nature of faith, where struggles and challenges can lead to spiritual growth and blessing.
Library

Chapter xxxii
... He distinctly recalled when in later years he told of this experience how as "he
passed by Penuel, the sun rose upon him," (Penu'el has an old case ending ?� ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxii.htm

Thesaurus
Penu'el (7 Occurrences)
Penu'el. Penuel, Penu'el. Penury . Multi-Version Concordance Penu'el
(7 Occurrences). Genesis 32:31 And the sun rose upon him as ...
/p/penu'el.htm - 8k

Penuel (7 Occurrences)

/p/penuel.htm - 9k

Phanuel (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PHANUEL. fan-u'-el, fan'-u-el (penu'el, "vision
of God"; Phanouel): Parent of Anna (Luke 2:36). See PENIEL. ...
/p/phanuel.htm - 7k

Penury (4 Occurrences)

/p/penury.htm - 8k

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Concordance
Penu'el (7 Occurrences)

Genesis 32:31
And the sun rose upon him as he passed over Peniel, and he limped upon his thigh.
(See RSV)

Judges 8:8
And from there he went up to Penu'el, and spoke to them in the same way; and the men of Penu'el answered him as the men of Succoth had answered.
(DBY RSV)

Judges 8:9
And he said to the men of Penu'el, "When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower."
(DBY RSV)

Judges 8:17
And he broke down the tower of Penu'el, and slew the men of the city.
(DBY RSV)

1 Kings 12:25
Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and he went out from thence, and built Penuel.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 4:4
and Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These are the sons of Hur the first-born of Ephrath, the father of Beth-lehem.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 8:25
and Iphdeiah, and Penuel, were the sons of Shashak.
(See RSV)

Subtopics

Penu'el

Related Terms

Penuel (7 Occurrences)

Phanuel (1 Occurrence)

Penury (4 Occurrences)

Penuel
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