4313. In the internal historical sense 'as he passed over Penuel' means when they entered the land of Canaan. This is clear from the fact that Penuel was the first stopping-place after Jacob passed over the river Jabbok, and that every boundary had a spiritual meaning, its distance and position determining its specific meaning, 1585, 1866, 4116, 4240. Accordingly because it was the first boundary, 'Penuel' means when they entered the land of Canaan.

3772. 'And water the flock' means that the doctrine was drawn from it. This is clear from the meaning of 'watering', or giving a drink, as giving instruction, dealt with in 3069, 3768, and from the meaning of 'the flock' as people who are governed by the goods and truths of faith, dealt with in 343, 3767. Thus 'watering it' means giving instruction from the Word, and therefore from doctrine.