Bedan is mentioned in the Bible as one of the deliverers of Israel, a figure whose identity has been the subject of some debate among biblical scholars. The reference to Bedan is found in 1 Samuel 12:11, where the prophet Samuel recounts the history of Israel's deliverance from various oppressors: "Then the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you lived in security" . In some translations, Bedan is included in this list, suggesting his role as a judge or deliverer.

The identity of Bedan is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, leading to various interpretations. One prevailing theory is that Bedan may be another name for Abdon, one of the judges of Israel mentioned in Judges 12:13-15. Abdon, the son of Hillel the Pirathonite, judged Israel for eight years and was noted for having forty sons and thirty grandsons who rode on seventy donkeys, a sign of wealth and status in ancient Israel.

The possible identification of Bedan with Abdon is supported by the similarity in their roles as judges and deliverers of Israel. Additionally, the absence of a detailed account of Bedan's deeds in the biblical narrative suggests that he may be a lesser-known figure whose contributions were significant enough to be remembered but not extensively documented.

Another interpretation is that Bedan could be a textual variant or a scribal error, with some scholars suggesting that the name might have been confused with Barak or another judge. However, the inclusion of Bedan in Samuel's speech indicates that he was recognized as a deliverer by the Israelites of that time.

The mention of Bedan, whether as a distinct individual or as another name for Abdon, highlights the recurring theme of divine deliverance in the history of Israel. Throughout the period of the judges, God raised up leaders to rescue His people from oppression and lead them back to faithfulness. Bedan's inclusion in this list serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the diverse means by which He provided for His people.

In summary, while the exact identity of Bedan remains uncertain, his mention in the biblical text underscores the importance of the judges as instruments of God's deliverance. Whether Bedan is a separate figure or synonymous with Abdon, his role as a deliverer reflects the ongoing narrative of God's intervention in the history of Israel.1 Samuel 12:11
And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and you dwelled safe.
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