When they envied Moses in the camp, And Aaron the saint of the LORD, The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan, And covered the faction of Abiram. A fire was kindled in their company; The flame burned up the wicked. (Psalm 106:17-18)
The rebellion against Moses started with envy. They wanted to have what Moses and Aaron had, but were unwilling to go through God’s mill first. Moses had his 40 years in the desert where God prepared him for this great task. Dathan however, compared himself with Moses, but was unaware of the trials and tribulations Moses had to go through to be prepared for the task. Moses was hand chosen by God for the task. It is a fearful thing to kindle a flame of slander, as the wind may change direction and the bearer of the tale will end up facing the consequences.
