Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
(darkness) one of the halting-places of the Israelite host during the last portion of the wandering. (Numbers 33:42,43) By Eusebius and Jerome, it is identified with Phaeno, which contained the copper-mines so well known at that period, and was situated between Petra and Zoar.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
PU'NON (darkness), one of the stations of the Israelites, Num 33:42-43, between Zalmonah and Oboth. According to Jerome it is identical with Phenon, celebrated for its copper-mines, in which convicts were sentenced to labor, between Petra and Zoar. Palmer suggests its identity with 'Auezeh, one of the three stations, on the Darb el-Hajj. - Desert of the Exodus, p. 430.
Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869)
precious stone; that beholds
Schaff's Bible Dictionary
PU'NON (darkness), one of the stations of the Israelites, Num 33:42-43, between Zalmonah and Oboth. According to Jerome it is identical with Phenon, celebrated for its copper-mines, in which convicts were sentenced to labor, between Petra and Zoar. Palmer suggests its identity with 'Auezeh, one of the three stations, on the Darb el-Hajj. - Desert of the Exodus, p. 430. PURIFICA'TIONS formed a very conspicuous feature among the ritual observances of the Jews, and were performed in various ways, though generally by means of water.
Besides their spiritual meaning, referring to the purity of the heart, they had often also a sanitary purpose. After the Captivity, however, they were carried into extremes, especially by the Pharisees. Mark 7:3-4.