GENESIS—NOTE ON Genesis 32:30 Jacob called the name of the place Peniel. “Peniel” means “face of God.” Jacob’s encounter with God fills him with awe. When later Moses asks to see God’s glory, he is told, “You cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live” (Exodus 33:20). In light of this, either Jacob’s encounter is a remarkable exception or face to face is a figure of speech for closeness to God.

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