A judge of Israel mentioned in 1 Samuel 12:11 alongside Jerub-Baal and Jephthah. The name likely derives from ben Dan (son of Dan) or from a root meaning to judge. Bedan is also listed in 1 Chronicles 7:17 as a descendant of Manasseh.
Bedan appears in Samuel's farewell address as an example of God's faithfulness to rescue Israel through appointed judges. The judges served as types of Christ — raised up by God, filled with the Spirit, delivering a people who cried out in their distress. Each judge, however flawed, pointed forward to the ultimate Judge and Deliverer who would come. God's history of salvation is marked by these merciful interventions when His people repent and call on His name.