Peniel
Arnold writes about the etiological interest of the author to explain why certain things are the way they are. This text specifically notes Peniel (or Penuel). He suggests that Peniel (and Mahanaim on the other side of the Jabbok River) defended the last likely crossing-point of the river. In 1 Kings 12:25, Penuel becomes a military outpost for Jeroboam I (cf. pg. 279).
Likely a redaction to fit Israel’s monotheism (cf. pg. 284), Jacob names the location “Peniel,” which literally called “the face of God.” This gives the reader the reason behind the name “Peniel” – because Jacob wrestled with “the face of God” there. Etiologically speaking, we may note a “defensive” thread at Peniel. Jacob wrestled and defended himself there, and later that location was to become a military outpost.
The fact it is recorded that Jacob “saw the face of God” and lived would have been miraculous to the first audience. It was a popular assumption of ancient culture that no one could see God and live. However, instead of death, Jacob gets a blessing. Jacob was at that location preparing to meet Esau face-to-face, fearing his death. In fact, it appears that he waited until the very last possible moment to cross the river of inevitability. Instead of death, however, he saw God’s face and yet lived! What a cause for celebration and remembrance! If God is for Jacob, who can be against him?
In this narrative, we see Jacob trying to take every human measure to appease and change the heart of his brother. What he didn’t know is that God’s plan was to change Jacob. He did not need to defend himself based on his own strength or cunning. Instead, he needed to trust the relentlessly saving God. So, to commemorate his new life (as Israel) and his seeing the face of God, he names the place Peniel. His last-resort, fear of death defense has been turned into a blessing whereby he saw God’s face and experienced new life.
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