Judges 8:8

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

And he went up {H5927} thence to Penuel {H6439}, and spake {H1696} unto them likewise {H2063}: and the men {H582} of Penuel {H6439} answered {H6030} him as the men {H582} of Succoth {H5523} had answered {H6030} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

From there he went up to P'nu'el and made the same request, and the people of P'nu'el gave the same answer as those of Sukkot.

Berean Standard Bible

From there he went up to Penuel and asked the same from them, but the men of Penuel gave the same response as the men of Succoth.

American Standard Version

And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them in like manner; and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 8:8 details Gideon's continued pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, after his initial victory, and his subsequent arrival at Penuel. This verse records the men of Penuel's refusal to provide sustenance and support to Gideon and his weary 300 men, mirroring the earlier rejection by the town of Succoth. It underscores the profound disunity and fear prevalent among some Israelite communities, contrasting sharply with Gideon's unwavering resolve to complete his divinely appointed mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 8:8 is situated within the broader narrative of Gideon's judgeship, specifically following his miraculous and divinely orchestrated victory over the main Midianite army (Judges 7). Despite the decisive rout, the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, had escaped, and Gideon, with his exhausted but determined 300 men, was relentlessly pursuing them to ensure a complete victory and the cessation of Midianite oppression. Immediately preceding this verse, Gideon had approached the elders of Succoth for bread for his famished men, only to be met with a contemptuous refusal rooted in fear of Midianite reprisal and a lack of faith in Gideon's success (Judges 8:4-7). Judges 8:8 shows Gideon's continued journey eastward across the Jordan, arriving at Penuel, where he makes the same plea, only to encounter the same uncooperative and fearful response, setting the stage for the subsequent retribution Gideon exacts upon his return (Judges 8:13-17).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a decentralized Israelite society, often marked by tribal disunity and a lack of central authority, leading to vulnerability to foreign oppressors like the Midianites. The Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, to which Gideon belonged) sometimes felt a degree of separation or isolation from the tribes west of the Jordan. Hospitality was a deeply ingrained cultural norm in the ancient Near East, making the refusal of basic provisions by fellow Israelites particularly egregious and shameful. The towns of Succoth and Penuel, located east of the Jordan River, were likely more exposed to Midianite raids and thus more susceptible to fear, prioritizing self-preservation over tribal solidarity or national liberation. The name "Penuel" itself carries significant historical weight, being the place where Jacob wrestled with God (or an angel) and saw God "face to face" (Genesis 32:22-32), adding a layer of poignant irony to the town's unfaithful response.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. It starkly highlights the **lack of Israelite unity and solidarity**, demonstrating how fear and self-interest could undermine collective efforts for liberation and obedience to God's appointed leader. This disunity contrasts sharply with God's miraculous intervention and Gideon's personal **perseverance in leadership** despite internal opposition and exhaustion. Gideon's unwavering commitment to his divine mission, even when his own people abandon him, foreshadows the **consequences of disobedience and fear**, as the narrative immediately follows with Gideon's vow of retribution against both Succoth and Penuel (Judges 8:7), which he later fulfills (Judges 8:13-17). The repeated refusal also subtly emphasizes the **sovereignty of God**, who works through imperfect human instruments and despite human failings, to achieve His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Penuel (Hebrew, _Penu'el'_):** This geographical name, meaning "face of God," is highly significant. It is the place where Jacob wrestled with a divine being and declared, "I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been preserved" ([Genesis 32:30](/genesis/32-30 "Genesis 32:30 - Jacob at Penuel")). The irony is profound: a town named after a pivotal encounter with God, where a patriarch received a blessing and a new name, now refuses to support God's chosen deliverer. This highlights their spiritual blindness and disconnect from their own sacred history, prioritizing worldly fear over divine purpose.
* **Likewise (Hebrew, _kah_ or _ken_):** The KJV's "likewise" (implied from the context of the Hebrew verb and preceding narrative) emphasizes the identical nature of Gideon's request and, more importantly, the identical nature of Penuel's refusal to that of Succoth. This repetition underscores a pattern of unfaithfulness and a widespread lack of support for Gideon's divinely sanctioned mission among the Transjordanian Israelites. It signifies a collective failure of faith and courage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went up thence to Penuel,"**: This phrase signifies Gideon's continued, arduous pursuit of the Midianite kings. "Thence" refers to Succoth, indicating a direct progression eastward across the Jordan River. The journey itself speaks to Gideon's determination and the physical toll on his men, who were "faint, yet pursuing" ([Judges 8:4](/judges/8-4 "Judges 8:4 - Faint Yet Pursuing")).
* **"and spake unto them likewise:"**: This clause reveals that Gideon's plea to Penuel was identical to his earlier request to Succoth – a request for provisions for his exhausted men. It highlights Gideon's persistent and reasonable appeal for basic support from his fellow Israelites in a time of national crisis.
* **"and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered [him]."**: This is the crucial part of the verse, demonstrating the parallel and equally disappointing response from Penuel. Just as Succoth had refused Gideon, citing fear of Midianite reprisal and doubting Gideon's success, so too did Penuel. This mirrored refusal underscores the deep-seated fear, lack of faith, and disunity prevalent among these Israelite communities, which prioritized self-preservation over their duty to God and their deliverer.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "answered him as the men of Succoth had answered [him]," which emphasizes the identical nature of the refusal, highlighting a pattern of unfaithfulness and fear among the Transjordanian tribes. This repetition underscores the pervasive lack of support Gideon faced from his own people. There is also profound **Irony** in the town of Penuel, meaning "face of God," refusing to support God's chosen deliverer. This juxtaposition highlights the spiritual blindness of the inhabitants, who, despite their town's sacred history, failed to recognize or support God's work in their midst. Furthermore, the verse contributes to the **Foreshadowing** of Gideon's promised retribution (Judges 8:7), setting the stage for the severe consequences that will befall both Succoth and Penuel for their lack of faith and solidarity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:8 serves as a stark reminder of the human tendency towards fear and self-preservation, even at the expense of divine purpose and communal solidarity. It illustrates how a lack of faith can lead to disunity and hinder God's work, even among His own people. Despite the miraculous victory God had just granted through Gideon, these Israelite towns chose to doubt and fear the remnants of the enemy rather than trust in the deliverer God had raised up. This highlights the ongoing struggle between faith and fear, and the consequences that follow when a community prioritizes its own perceived safety over obedience and support for God's appointed leaders and His mission. It underscores that God's plans will ultimately prevail, but human unfaithfulness can bring about severe judgment upon those who resist His will.

* [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Call for Unity")
* [Hebrews 12:1-3](/hebrew/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1-3 - Running with Perseverance")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverb/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 8:8 challenges us to examine our own responses when faced with opportunities to support God's work, especially when it involves personal cost or perceived risk. Are we like the men of Penuel, prioritizing our comfort and safety over participating in the larger divine mission? This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of unity and courageous faith within our communities, recognizing that God often works through His people, and our support for one another is crucial for the advancement of His kingdom. It reminds us that true security comes not from self-preservation or fear of man, but from trusting in God's power and faithfully joining His endeavors, even when they seem daunting or unpopular. Like Gideon, we are called to persevere in our God-given tasks, even when facing opposition from unexpected quarters, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate His purposes and those who faithfully serve Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might fear or self-interest prevent us from supporting God's work or His appointed leaders today?**
* **How can we cultivate a greater spirit of unity and mutual support within our faith communities, especially when facing challenges?**
* **When have you felt "faint, yet pursuing" in your spiritual journey, and what kept you going despite lack of support?**
* **What is the "Penuel" in your life – a place or situation named after a past encounter with God, where you are now challenged to act in faith rather than fear?**

### FAQ
**Why did Penuel and Succoth refuse to help Gideon?**

Answer: Their refusal stemmed primarily from fear and a lack of faith. They feared retaliation from the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, who were still at large and powerful. They also likely doubted Gideon's ability to ultimately defeat these kings, despite his earlier miraculous victory. In a decentralized period, tribal loyalty and self-preservation often superseded national unity or faith in God's deliverer. Their actions prioritized their own safety over supporting a fellow Israelite in a divinely sanctioned mission to liberate their people.

**What is the significance of the name Penuel in this context?**

Answer: The name Penuel (or Peniel) means "face of God," a profound name from the Old Testament where Jacob wrestled with a divine being and saw God "face to face" ([Genesis 32:30](/genesis/32-30 "Genesis 32:30 - Jacob at Penuel")). The irony in Judges 8:8 is striking: a town with such a sacred historical connection to a direct encounter with God now refuses to support God's chosen deliverer. This highlights their spiritual blindness and their failure to live up to the legacy of faith associated with their very name, choosing fear over faith in the God who had revealed Himself to their ancestor.

**What happened to the men of Penuel after their refusal?**

Answer: Gideon vowed retribution against both Succoth and Penuel for their uncooperative and faithless response ([Judges 8:7](/judges/8-7 "Judges 8:7 - Gideon's Vow of Retribution")). After successfully capturing Zebah and Zalmunna, Gideon returned and fulfilled his vow. He destroyed the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city ([Judges 8:17](/judges/8-17 "Judges 8:17 - Gideon's Judgment on Penuel")), demonstrating the severe consequences of refusing to support God's work and His appointed leaders.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 8:8, with its portrayal of Gideon's rejection by his own people despite his divine mission, deeply foreshadows the experience of Jesus Christ. Just as Gideon, God's chosen deliverer, was met with fear, doubt, and a lack of support from Israelite towns like Penuel and Succoth, so too did Jesus come to His own, and His own did not receive Him ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). The very people He came to save, the spiritual descendants of those who named a place "face of God," often turned their backs on the One who is the very image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). Yet, like Gideon, Christ persevered in His mission, "faint, yet pursuing" the ultimate victory over sin and death, enduring the cross and despising its shame for the joy set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Enduring the Cross for Joy")). His ultimate sacrifice was not for a fragmented people, but to reconcile all things to Himself, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility to create one new humanity ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the disunity and fear seen in Judges 8:8 ultimately point to the unifying and courageous work of Christ, who, by His perfect obedience, secured a salvation that invites all to participate in His victory, not through fear, but through faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 32:30

And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

Genesis 32:31

And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.

1 Kings 12:25

¶ Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.