Punon
“Darkness or ore-pit”
Summary
Punon was a station where the Israelites camped during their wilderness wanderings, located east of Edom and later known for its copper mines.
☩Wilderness Camp
Punon was a camping station of the Israelites on their journey to Canaan, the second stop after leaving Mount Hor. It lay between Zalmonah and Oboth, three days' journey from the mountains of Abarim on the border of Moab. The name may be connected with Pinon, an Edomite chief, suggesting the location belonged to or bordered Edomite territory.
☩Later Identification
Eusebius and Jerome identified Punon with Phoeno, a site between Petra and Zoar containing copper mines where convicts were sent to labor. This identification accords with the region's known mineral resources. The site may correspond to Kalaat Fenan mentioned by later travelers.
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Punon," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Punon," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).