This verse illustrates how faithless self-preservation can miss the blessings of boldly standing with God’s deliverer.
He went up from there to Penuel and spoke similarly to them; and the men of Penuel answered him just as the men of Succoth had answered. (v.8) Gideon had just received a refusal for provisions from the men of Succoth, and here, in the city of Penuel, he encounters a similar reaction. Penuel (also called Peniel in some translations) was located east of the Jordan River, near the Jabbok River. This area held significance going back to Jacob’s time, because Jacob once wrestled with God near this location (Genesis 32:24-30). In Gideon’s day, around 1200 BC, Penuel functioned as one of the settlements in the Transjordan region that Israel occupied during the period of the Judges.
Gideon, who served as Israel’s fifth judge between roughly 1200 BC and 1150 BC, had been pursuing Midianite kings who had long oppressed Israel (Judges 6-7). He went up from there to Penuel (v.8) after being turned away at Succoth, and hoped to find resources to nourish his exhausted troops. Instead, the men of Penuel answered him just as the men of Succoth had answered (v.8), implying that they refused him bread perhaps out of fear of Midianite retribution or doubt in Gideon’s ability to deliver Israel from Midian’s grasp. Their lack of faith echoes a larger theme throughout Scripture, often in contrast to unwavering trust in God’s direction even amid uncertain outcomes (Hebrews 11:6).
Spiritually, Gideon’s request and Penuel’s refusal emphasize the contrast between faith and skepticism. The people of Penuel, like those in Succoth, missed an opportunity to partner with God’s plan through His chosen leader. Their caution is understandable from a human standpoint, yet it demonstrates how a lack of trust can hinder participation in God’s deliverance. In later biblical themes, Jesus calls His followers to care for those who act in His name, ensuring that faith and compassion surpass caution (Matthew 10:42). Gideon’s experiences foreshadow how, in any era, the posture of the people toward God and His appointed deliverers reveals their hearts.
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Judges 8:8 meaning
He went up from there to Penuel and spoke similarly to them; and the men of Penuel answered him just as the men of Succoth had answered. (v.8) Gideon had just received a refusal for provisions from the men of Succoth, and here, in the city of Penuel, he encounters a similar reaction. Penuel (also called Peniel in some translations) was located east of the Jordan River, near the Jabbok River. This area held significance going back to Jacob’s time, because Jacob once wrestled with God near this location (Genesis 32:24-30). In Gideon’s day, around 1200 BC, Penuel functioned as one of the settlements in the Transjordan region that Israel occupied during the period of the Judges.
Gideon, who served as Israel’s fifth judge between roughly 1200 BC and 1150 BC, had been pursuing Midianite kings who had long oppressed Israel (Judges 6-7). He went up from there to Penuel (v.8) after being turned away at Succoth, and hoped to find resources to nourish his exhausted troops. Instead, the men of Penuel answered him just as the men of Succoth had answered (v.8), implying that they refused him bread perhaps out of fear of Midianite retribution or doubt in Gideon’s ability to deliver Israel from Midian’s grasp. Their lack of faith echoes a larger theme throughout Scripture, often in contrast to unwavering trust in God’s direction even amid uncertain outcomes (Hebrews 11:6).
Spiritually, Gideon’s request and Penuel’s refusal emphasize the contrast between faith and skepticism. The people of Penuel, like those in Succoth, missed an opportunity to partner with God’s plan through His chosen leader. Their caution is understandable from a human standpoint, yet it demonstrates how a lack of trust can hinder participation in God’s deliverance. In later biblical themes, Jesus calls His followers to care for those who act in His name, ensuring that faith and compassion surpass caution (Matthew 10:42). Gideon’s experiences foreshadow how, in any era, the posture of the people toward God and His appointed deliverers reveals their hearts.