Dathan appears in the Hebrew Bible as a principal instigator of one of the most dangerous internal threats to Moses' authority during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, specifically recorded in Numbers 16. He was a descendant of Reuben (great-grandson through Eliab and Pallu), and together with his brother Abiram accused Moses of exalting himself over the congregation and of leading them out of Egypt to kill them in the desert. When God judged the rebellion, Dathan, his family, and all their possessions were swallowed alive into the earth in a miraculous sign that Moses was truly commissioned by God, making him a Biblical symbol of the consequences of pride and rebellion against divine authority. Dathan is also mentioned in Psalm 106:17 as a warning against challenging God's chosen leaders.

Historical context: The rebellion occurred during the Israelites' wilderness journey after leaving Egypt, approximately 40 years before entering the Promised Land, as recorded in Numbers 16:1-35. en.wikipedia Biblical references: Dathan is mentioned in Numbers 16, Numbers 26:9, Deuteronomy 11:6, and Psalm 106:17, with Numbers 16 providing the most detailed account of his rebellion and punishment. Biblicaltraining Family connections: Dathan was the son of Eliab, the son of Pallu, the son of Reuben (making him a Reubenite from the firstborn tribe), and his brother was Abiram; they also joined with On (son of Peleth) and Korah the Levite in the rebellion. bibleproject Name etymology: The Hebrew name "Dathan" (דָּתָן) is often associated with meaning "fountain" or "spring". biblepics Related terms: Korah (the Levite leader), Abiram (Dathan's brother), On (another Reubenite), "rebellion against Moses" - these figures are often mentioned together in Biblical literature as a group representing the consequences of challenging divine authority. gotquestions Cross-references: Korah (the primary leader of the rebellion), Abiram (Dathan's brother who was swallowed with him), "The rebellion of Korah" - the broader Biblical event encompassing all these figures. en.wikipedia Symbolic significance: In poetry and Biblical literature, Dathan serves as a type or example of those who rebel against God's appointed authority, and his violent death represents the sudden, total destruction that pride and rebellion bring. sacrilo Common usage pitfalls: Dathan is sometimes confused with being a Levite (he was actually a Reubenite); Korah was the Levite leader, while Dathan and Abiram were from the tribe of Reuben. gotquestions