This city is mentioned in patriarchal history from the time Abraham first entered the Land of Promise (Gen. 12:6; 33:18; 35:4; 37:12, 13). At the time of the conquest of Canaan it became a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7; 21:21), and it was there that Joshua gathered all the tribes for a renewal of the covenant just before his death (Joshua 24:1-25). When Abimelech made himself king over Israel, he had his capital at Shechem (Judges 9:1-20), and when the city rebelled against him, it was destroyed and sowed “with salt” (Judges 9:22-45). Now the city was rebuilt as Jeroboam’s capital.

 A place east of Jordan named by Jacob after he had seen God face to face (Gen. 32:30, 31). At the time of Gideon there was a tower at Penuel, which Gideon destroyed (Judges 8:8, 9, 17). Jeroboam rebuilt the city as an outpost. A possible site is Tulul ed-dabab, on the river Jabbok, 4 1/8 mi. (6.5 km.) east of Succoth.