Who was Dathan?

Rebel against Moses

The story of Dathan

Dathan - Rebel
Dathan - Rebel
Rebel

Dathan was a biblical figure who is best known for his role in the rebellion against Moses and Aaron. He was a Levite, the son of Eliab, and the brother of Abiram and On. He was a leader of the Israelites during the Exodus from Egypt. Dathan was one of the 250 men who rebelled against Moses and Aaron. He and his followers accused Moses and Aaron of taking too much power and authority for themselves. They also accused them of leading the Israelites away from the Promised Land. In response, God sent a plague to punish the rebels. Dathan and his followers were swallowed up by the earth, and they perished. Dathan is remembered in the Bible as a leader of the rebellion against Moses and Aaron. He is also remembered for his role in the Exodus from Egypt. He is an important figure in the Bible, and his story serves as a warning against rebellion and disobedience.

Name meaning

The name Dathan is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is often associated with "fountain" or "spring." It is a biblical name found in the Old Testament. In the Bible, Dathan was a Reubenite who, along with his brother Abiram, participated in a rebellion against Moses during the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. The story is recounted in the Book of Numbers. While the biblical association may not always be positive due to the narrative of rebellion, the name itself carries an essence tied to natural sources like fountains.

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

Rebel

First mention

Numbers 16:1

Appearances in the Bible

8 mentions

Family

Relatives of Dathan

Dathan in the Bible

Explore all 4 chapters where Dathan appears

Numbers

Chapter 16

Korah's Rebellion

Korah, Dathan and Abiram rebel against Moses and Aaron, but God destroys them and their followers.

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Numbers

Chapter 26

The Census of the Israelites

A second census is taken of the Israelites and the land is apportioned among the tribes.

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Deuteronomy

Chapter 11

Blessings and Curses

Moses commands the Israelites to love God and to keep his commandments.

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Psalms

Chapter 106

Remembering God's Faithfulness

Psalm 106 is a reflection on Israel's historical journey with God. The psalmist recounts the nation's rebellious acts, s...

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