Genesis 32:30
Jacob <03290> [Jacob.]
[Penuel.]
Peniel <06439> [Peniel. i.e., the face of God.]
Peniel, or Penuel, was evidently situated near the ford of Jabbok, on the north of that stream, about forty miles from Jerusalem.
seen <07200> [I have.]
Exodus 33:20
cannot see ........ see <03201 07200> [Thou canst not.]
This is well explained by Rabbi Jehudah, in Sepher Cosri, (P. iv. 3.) "Of that divine glory mentioned in the Scripture, there is one degree which the eyes of the prophets were able to explore; another which all the Israelites saw, as the cloud and consuming fire; the third is so bright, and so dazzling, that no mortal is able to comprehend it; but should anyone venture to look on it, his whole frame would be dissolved." In such inconceivable splendour is the Divine Majesty revealed to the inhabitants of the celestial world, where he is said to "dwell in the light which no man can approach unto." (1 Ti 6:16.) By the "face of God," therefore, we are to understand that light inaccessible before which angels may stand, but which would be so insufferable to mortal eyes, that no man could see it and live.
Deuteronomy 4:38
dispossess <03423> [drive.]
day <03117> [as.]
Deuteronomy 5:26
human race <01320> [who is.]
It seems to have been a general opinion, that if God appeared to men, it was for the purpose of destroying them. And indeed most of the extraordinary manifestations of God were in the way of judgment; but here it was widely different. God did appear in a sovereign and extraordinary manner; but it was for the instruction, direction, deliverance, and support of his people. 1. They heard this voice speaking with them in a distinct, articulate manner. 2. They saw the fire, the symbol of his presence, the appearances of which demonstrated it to be supernatural. 3. Notwithstanding God appeared so terrible, yet no person was destroyed; for he came not to destroy but to save.
human race <01320> [all flesh.]
living <02416> [living.]
Isaiah 6:5
said Too bad <0559 0188> [said I.]
destroyed <01820> [undone. Heb. cut off. a man.]
live <03427> [I dwell.]
eyes <05869> [mine eyes.]
