And from there he went up to Penuel, and spoke to them in the same way, and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse subtly highlights the irony of places named for God's encounter still lacking His spirit. Penuel, meaning "Face of God" from Jacob's vision, now mirrors Succoth's faithlessness by refusing aid to God's chosen deliverer, Gideon. The echoing refusal shows how easily sacred memories can become hollow traditions, devoid of true reverence and obedience.
And from there he went up to Penuel, and spoke to them in the same way, and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Gideon, exhausted but determined, has just been refused provisions by the men of Succoth. Now he turns to the nearby city of Penuel, hoping for a better reception and a chance to feed his weary troops. Like Succoth, Penuel also denies Gideon's request, mirroring the earlier insult and setting the stage for Gideon's eventual reckoning with both towns.
Why would entire towns refuse a simple request for food, even from a victorious leader? Gideon's experience reveals a deep-seated fear and distrust.
Gideon, fresh off a miraculous victory against the Midianites, approaches the cities of Succoth and Penuel. His request is simple: food for his weary men who pursued the enemy. Yet, both cities refuse.
The Root of Refusal
The people of Succoth and Penuel didn't just say 'no'; they taunted Gideon. They questioned his victory, asking if he had already captured Zebah and Zalmunna, the Midianite kings. This reveals their deep fear. They didn't believe God was truly with Gideon and feared the Midianites' retaliation more than they respected God's power. Their lack of faith blinded them to the reality of Gideon's victory and God's presence.
A Pattern of Disobedience
This isn't just about two cities; it's a snapshot of the spiritual state of Israel during the time of the Judges. They repeatedly turned away from God, choosing fear and self-preservation over faithfulness. Penuel's response mirrors Succoth's, showing a widespread lack of courage and commitment to God's people and His purposes.
The names 'Succoth' and 'Penuel' carry powerful biblical history. Why is it significant that Gideon encounters these places, and how do their responses compare to Jacob's?
The cities of Succoth and Penuel are not random locations; they are deeply connected to the story of Jacob. Jacob himself named Penuel after God appeared to him there, "for I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered" (Genesis 32:30).
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A Place of Divine Encounter vs. Human Fear
Jacob's experience at Penuel was a pivotal moment of faith and divine encounter. He wrestled with God, was transformed, and received a new name, Israel. His encounter was marked by vulnerability, humility, and ultimately, a profound trust in God's deliverance.
Gideon's Contrast
Gideon, however, finds the descendants of these same people acting in stark contrast. Instead of recognizing God's power at work through Gideon, they are paralyzed by fear and doubt. They refuse to support God's chosen leader, echoing the spiritual weakness of Israel during this period. The historical significance of Penuel, a place where Jacob saw God's face, is lost on its inhabitants who fail to recognize God's face in Gideon's victory.
The refusal of aid by both Succoth and Penuel highlights a lack of faith and solidarity among Israelite towns during a critical moment of national deliverance, contrasting sharply with the reverence Jacob once showed the area.
~1400 BC
Jacob's Encounter at Penuel
Jacob wrestles with God at Penuel, renaming the place 'Face of God' after his transformative encounter.
c. 931 BC
Jeroboam Fortifies Penuel
Following the division of the kingdom, Jeroboam strengthens Penuel to secure his northern territories.
c. 1100 BC
Gideon Pursues Midianites
Gideon and his exhausted but determined 300 men pursue the fleeing Midianite kings Zeeb and Zebah across the Jordan River.
c. 1100 BC
Succoth Refuses Aid to Gideon
Gideon requests provisions for his men from the town of Succoth, but its leaders mock him and refuse assistance.
c. 1100 BC— this verse
Penuel Refuses Aid to Gideon
Gideon arrives at Penuel and makes the same request for food; the leaders of Penuel also refuse and mock him, just like Succoth.
c. 1100 BC
Gideon's Retribution
After capturing the Midianite kings, Gideon returns to Penuel and punishes its leaders for their lack of support during his pursuit.
This verse is directly alluded to, as Penuel is where Jacob wrestled with God and renamed it 'face of God,' contrasting starkly with the fearful and uncooperative nature of its inhabitants in Gideon's time.
Judges 8:5-7These verses immediately preceding show the desperate state of Gideon's men and their need for sustenance, highlighting the severity of Penuel's and Succoth's refusal.
1 Kings 12:25This passage shows Penuel later being fortified by Jeroboam, indicating it was a place of strategic importance, yet its leaders still lacked integrity and compassion when Gideon needed help.
Proverbs 14:4This proverb speaks to how difficult the 'crib' (representing provision and comfort) is to clean when there's 'much wealth' (representing resources), reflecting the stinginess and refusal shown by both Succoth and Penuel to Gideon's exhausted men.
gillJudges 8:8: "And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him."
And he went up thence to Penuel,.... A place not far from Succoth, and to which also Jacob gave name, from the Lord's appearing to him there face to face, Genesis 32:30 but here was nothing of God in this place now: and spoke unto them likewise; desired bread for his men, as he had of the inhabitants of Succoth: and the men of Penuel answered hi…
pulpitJudges 8:8: "And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him."
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…
This verse subtly highlights the irony of places named for God's encounter still lacking His spirit. Penuel, meaning "Face of God" from Jacob's vision, now mirrors Succoth's faithlessness by refusing aid to God's chosen deliverer, Gideon. The echoing refusal shows how easily sacred memories can become hollow traditions, devoid of true reverence and obedience.
Gideon, exhausted but determined, has just been refused provisions by the men of Succoth. Now he turns to the nearby city of Penuel, hoping for a better reception and a chance to feed his weary troops. Like Succoth, Penuel also denies Gideon's request, mirroring the earlier insult and setting the stage for Gideon's eventual reckoning with both towns.
Gideon, exhausted but determined, has just been refused provisions by the men of Succoth. Now he turns to the nearby city of Penuel, hoping for a better reception and a chance to feed his weary troops. Like Succoth, Penuel also denies Gideon's request, mirroring the earlier insult and setting the stage for Gideon's eventual reckoning with both towns.
"And from there he went up to Penuel, and spoke to them in the same way, and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered." — This verse subtly highlights the irony of places named for God's encounter still lacking His spirit. Penuel, meaning "Face of God" from Jacob's vision, now mirrors Succoth's faithlessness by refusing…
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Last reviewed October 2026