Bible Dictionary
Bedan
Bedan is named among Israel’s deliverers in Samuel, though his identity is uncertain; suggestions include Barak, Samson, or Abdon. Another Bedan was a descendant of Manasseh.
Definition
Bedan is the name of a leader associated with Israel’s deliverance and also of a son of Ulam from the house of Manasseh. The identity of the leader named in Samuel is uncertain; proposals include Barak, Samson, and Abdon.
Biblical Usage
Samuel lists Bedan with Jerubbaal, Jephthah, and Samuel among those connected with Israel’s deliverance. The textual identification is uncertain because other ancient versions read “Barak.”
Historical Background
The supplied material records a second Bedan in the genealogical line of Manasseh. The name is explained as “son of judgment,” with some uncertainty.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
One of the judges of Israel (1 Sam. 12:11). It is uncertain who he was. Some suppose that Barak is meant, others Samson, but most probably this is a contracted form of Abdon (Judg. 12:13).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(son of judgement).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>be'-dan (bedhan, "son of judgment" (?)):</p><p>(1) One of the leaders in Israel who with Jerubbaal, Jephthah and Samuel is mentioned as a deliverer of the nation (1Sa 12:11). The text is questioned because the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic read "Barak" instead.</p><p>(2) A son of Ulam of the house of Manasseh (1Ch 7:17).</p>