Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
PENI'EL, or PENU'EL (face of God), a place between the Jabbok and Succoth where Jacob had his mysterious wrestling with the Angel. Gen 32:24-32. The usual, and probably the original, form was "Penuel," and this is the form in the Samaritan Pentateuch. Five hundred years later, when pursuing the Midianites. Gideon found a city and tower at Penuel, and slew the men of the city. Jud 8:17-18. Jeroboam went from Shechem and built Penuel. 1 Kgs 12:25.
Its site has long been counted as unknown, for the region in which it was situated has been only slightly explored. Dr. Merrill, however, identifies Penuel with a point on the Zerka (Jabbok), about 4 miles east of Canaan's ford and at Tabill edh Dhahuh. See Jabbok.