Bible Figure
Dathan
Biblical character
Dathan was a Reubenite who joined Korah and Abiram in rebellion against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.
Biography
Numbers 16 identifies Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, among leaders who challenged Moses. They refused Moses' summons and accused him of bringing Israel out of a good land only to dominate them in the wilderness. Moses announced a distinctive judgment, and the ground opened beneath the households of Dathan and Abiram, swallowing those associated with the rebellion. Deuteronomy and Psalms later recall the event.
Biblical Significance
Dathan's rebellion represents rejection of God's appointed leadership during the wilderness journey. His fate became a lasting biblical warning about defiant opposition to divine order.