Dathan

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Role: Rebel leader from the tribe of Reuben
• Family: Son of Eliab, member of the tribe of Reuben
• Key Books: Numbers

Biography

Dathan was a Reubenite who, along with his brother Abiram and Korah (a Levite), led a rebellion against the authority of Moses and Aaron. They challenged Moses’ exclusive leadership, claiming “all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye yourselves up above the congregation of the LORD?” (Numbers 16:3). God judged the rebellion dramatically — the earth opened and swallowed Dathan, Abiram, and their households, while fire consumed the 250 men who offered incense. Dathan and Abiram’s names appear again during the wilderness complaints (Numbers 20:1–5), suggesting their followers continued the spirit of rebellion.

Key Events

• Rebellion of Korah — Led rebellion against Moses and Aaron, swallowed by the earth

Relationships

• Abiram — Brother, co-rebel
• Korah — Fellow rebel leader (Levite)
• Moses — Leader they challenged

Important Verses

• Numbers 16:3 — “And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron… wherefore then lift ye yourselves up above the congregation of the LORD?”
• Numbers 16:32 — “And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up… and they went down alive into the grave.”

Cross-References

• Mentioned in: Numbers, 1 Chronicles 2:17
• NT connection: 1 Corinthians 10:10 — “Murmer not as also some of them murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.”

Notes

Dathan’s name means “he who destroys.” Ironically, he was the one destroyed. His rebellion represents the danger of pride and rejecting God-appointed authority.