A town beyond the Jordan, and near the Jabbok; defended by a strong tower, which Gideon broke down because the men of Penuel refused to aid him against the Midianites, Jg 8:8-17. It was restored by Jeroboam I, 1Ki 12:25. It received its name, the face of God, from Jacob's they're wrestling with the Angel Jehovah face to face, Ge 32:30.
And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, "for I have seen God face to face, and yet is my life reserved."
And he went thence to Phanuel, and spake unto them likewise. And the men of Phanuel answered him as did the men of Succoth. And he said also unto the men of Phanuel, "When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower." read more. Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor and their hosts with them, upon a fifteen thousand, which were all that were left of all the hosts of them of the east. And they that were slain were a hundred and twenty thousand men that drew swords. And Gideon went through them that dwell in tabernacles on the east side of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host did cast no perils. Zebah and Zalmunna fled. But he followed after them, and took the two kings of the Midianites, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host. And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle, the sun being yet up, and caught a lad of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him. And he wrote him, of the lords and elders of Succoth: seventy seven men. Then he came unto the men of Succoth and said, "Behold, Zebah and Zalmunna, with which ye cast me in the teeth saying, 'Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy fainty men?'" And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and all to tear them therewith. And he brake down the tower of Phanuel and slew the men of the city.
Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein. And went from thence and built Penuel.