From there he went up to PenuelPenuel, also known as Peniel, is a location east of the Jordan River. It is significant in biblical history as the place where Jacob wrestled with God and saw Him face to face (
Genesis 32:30). This encounter marked a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, symbolizing transformation and divine blessing. Gideon's journey to Penuel reflects a continuation of his pursuit of the Midianite kings, emphasizing the relentless nature of his mission. The geographical ascent to Penuel indicates a movement towards a place of historical and spiritual significance, suggesting a parallel between Gideon's struggle and Jacob's encounter with God.
and asked the same from them
Gideon's request from the men of Penuel mirrors his earlier request to the men of Succoth for provisions for his weary troops. This repetition underscores the dire need for support in his campaign against the Midianites. The request highlights the communal responsibility and the expectation of mutual aid among the tribes of Israel during times of conflict. It also reflects the broader theme of unity and cooperation that is often challenged in the narrative of the Judges, where tribal divisions and local allegiances frequently hinder collective action.
but the men of Penuel gave the same response as the men of Succoth
The refusal of the men of Penuel to assist Gideon parallels the response of the men of Succoth, indicating a widespread reluctance or fear among the Israelites to support Gideon against the Midianites. This response can be seen as a lack of faith or trust in Gideon's leadership and God's deliverance, echoing the recurring theme of Israel's spiritual and moral decline during the period of the Judges. The refusal also sets the stage for Gideon's subsequent actions against these towns, highlighting the consequences of failing to support God's chosen deliverer. This narrative tension reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience and the cost of disobedience, as well as the importance of faith in God's promises and leaders.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
GideonThe central figure in this passage, Gideon is a judge of Israel who is leading a campaign against the Midianites. He is seeking support from fellow Israelites during his pursuit of the enemy.
2.
PenuelA location east of the Jordan River, significant in Israel's history. It is the place where Jacob wrestled with God and was renamed Israel (
Genesis 32:30-31).
3.
Men of PenuelThe inhabitants of Penuel who, like the men of Succoth, refuse to assist Gideon and his men in their pursuit of the Midianite kings.
4.
SuccothAnother location east of the Jordan River, where Gideon first sought help and was refused, leading to his subsequent request at Penuel.
5.
MidianitesThe enemy nation oppressing Israel at this time, whom Gideon is pursuing to deliver Israel from their oppression.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in LeadershipGideon's persistence in seeking help despite rejection teaches us the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in leadership roles.
Community ResponsibilityThe refusal of the men of Penuel highlights the responsibility of communities to support God's work and His appointed leaders.
Consequences of RefusalThe account warns of the consequences of refusing to support God's mission, as seen later in the chapter when Gideon returns to deal with Penuel.
Trust in God's ProvisionDespite human refusal, God's plan prevails. This encourages believers to trust in God's provision even when human support is lacking.
Historical and Spiritual SignificanceUnderstanding the historical and spiritual significance of places like Penuel can deepen our appreciation of God's work throughout biblical history.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Judges 8:8?
2.Why did Gideon seek help from the men of Penuel after Succoth's refusal?
3.How does Judges 8:8 illustrate the challenge of leadership and perseverance?
4.What other biblical leaders faced rejection like Gideon in Judges 8:8?
5.How can we respond to rejection when fulfilling God's mission today?
6.What lessons from Gideon's persistence can we apply in our spiritual walk?
7.Why did Gideon seek help from the men of Penuel in Judges 8:8?
8.What does Judges 8:8 reveal about the Israelites' unity during Gideon's time?
9.How does Judges 8:8 reflect on the theme of leadership in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 8?
11.What occurred at Peniel in the Bible?
12.Judges 8:4-5: Could 300 men realistically pursue thousands of Midianites without proper resources or logistical support?
13.In Judges 1:8 versus 1:21, why does it say Judah captured Jerusalem but Benjamin couldn't drive out the Jebusites, leading to conflicting accounts about Jerusalem's conquest?
14.Did Jesus judge others? (John 8:15 vs. John 5:22)What Does Judges 8:8 Mean
From there he went up to Penuel• Gideon had just crossed the Jordan, exhausted yet still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna (Judges 8:4–5).
• Penuel (“face of God”) sat east of the Jordan, the spot where Jacob wrestled with the angel and said, “I have seen God face to face” (Genesis 32:30–31).
• Gideon’s route shows relentless obedience; he would not abandon the mission until every Midianite threat was removed (compareJoshua 10:19;Hebrews 10:36).
• The geographical note reminds us that even places rich with past revelation can harbor present unbelief (seeMatthew 11:20–24).
and asked the same from them• Gideon repeats the request he made in Succoth: “Please give loaves of bread to the people who are following me, for they are exhausted” (Judges 8:5).
• Providing for God-appointed warriors was both practical and a test of faith; refusing help mirrored the sin of Moab and Ammon, who “did not meet you with bread and water” (Deuteronomy 23:3–4).
• Scripture consistently commends those who support God’s servants in their labor (1 Samuel 25:6–8; 3John 5–8;Philippians 4:15–17).
• The unchanged request highlights Gideon’s fairness; he did not demand more than was needed (compareLuke 3:14).
but the men of Penuel• Unlike Jacob’s humble dependence at the same site, the town trusted its defensive tower (Judges 8:17).
• Their stance illustrates how self-reliance can eclipse reliance on the LORD (Psalm 20:7;Proverbs 18:11).
• Refusal came not from inability but from fear that Gideon might fail against the Midianite kings, leaving Penuel exposed (contrast1 Samuel 14:6–7).
gave the same response as the men of Succoth• Succoth had retorted, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your army?” (Judges 8:6). Penuel echoes that skepticism.
• Their answer exposed unbelief in God’s deliverance already underway (Judges 7:9–22).
• Scripture warns that withholding good when it is in our power to act incurs judgment (Proverbs 3:27–28;James 2:15–17).
• Gideon later disciplines both towns, teaching that neutrality in the face of God’s battles is disobedience (Judges 8:15–17; compareNumbers 32:23).
summaryJudges 8:8 records a second town’s refusal to aid Gideon’s weary troops. Though standing at a place once marked by profound encounter with God, Penuel chose fear and self-interest over faith and generosity. The verse challenges readers to recognize the responsibility to support God’s work, trust His ongoing victories, and avoid the peril of withholding help when He calls for active partnership.
(8)
He went up thence to Penuel.--Penuel was also in the tribe of Gad, on the heights above the Jordan valley, on the southern bank of the Jabbok. The name means "face of God," from Jacob's vision (
Genesis 32:30). It is again mentioned as a fortified town in
1Kings 12:25, but the site has not been identified.
Verse 8. -
He went up thence to Penuel. When Jacob was returning from Padan-aram to Canaan he reached Penuel first, and Succoth afterwards (
Genesis 32:30;
Genesis 33:17). Gideon, travelling in the opposite direction from Canaan, naturally reaches Succoth first, and Penuel afterwards. Going from Succoth to Penuel too, he
went up out of the Jordan valley towards the mountains on the east. Penuel appears to have been a place of importance, since Jeroboam repaired its fortifications with a view of retaining his hold on trans-Jordanic Israel (
1 Kings 12:25). The
tower here mentioned shows it was a strong place, but its exact situation is unknown.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
From thereמִשָּׁם֙(miš·šām)Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thitherhe went upוַיַּ֤עַל(way·ya·‘al)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelyto Penuelפְּנוּאֵ֔ל(pə·nū·’êl)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6439:Penuel -- 'face of God', a place East of the Jordan, also two Israelitesand askedוַיְדַבֵּ֥ר(way·ḏab·bêr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subduethe sameכָּזֹ֑את(kā·zōṯ)Preposition-k | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063:Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,from them,אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם(’ă·lê·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tobut the menאַנְשֵׁ֣י(’an·šê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personof Penuelפְנוּאֵ֔ל(p̄ə·nū·’êl)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6439:Penuel -- 'face of God', a place East of the Jordan, also two Israelitesgave the same responseוַיַּעֲנ֤וּ(way·ya·‘ă·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6030:To answer, respondasכַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר(ka·’ă·šer)Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatthe menאַנְשֵׁ֥י(’an·šê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personof Succoth.סֻכּֽוֹת׃(suk·kō·wṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5523:Succoth -- a city East of the Jordan, also a place in Egypt
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OT History: Judges 8:8 He went up there to Penuel (Jd Judg. Jdg) 
