or PENUEL, a city beyond Jordan, near the ford or brook Jabbok. This was the occasion of its name. Jacob, upon his return from Mesopotamia, (Gen. xxxii. 24, &c.) made a stop at the brook Jabbok: and very early the next morning, after he had sent all the people before, he remained alone, and behold an angel came, and wrestled with him till the day began to appear. Then the angel said to Jacob, Let me go, for the morning begins to appear. Jacob answered, I shall not let you go from me till you have given me your blessing. The angel blessed him then in the same place, which Jacob thence called Peniel, saying, I have seen God face to face, yet continue alive.

In following ages the Israelites built a city in this place, which was given to the tribe of Gad. Gideon, returning from the pursuit of Midianites, overthrew the tower of Peniel, (Judges viii. 17.), and put all the inhabitants of the city to death, for having refused submission to him and his people, and having answered him in a very insulting manner. Jeroboam the son of Nebat rebuilt the city of Peniel, (1 Kings xii. 25.). Josephus says, that this prince there built himself a palace.