Bible Dictionary
DATHEMA
Dathema was a stronghold in Gilead where Jewish people sought refuge from hostile forces during the Maccabean struggles. Judas and Jonathan delivered them from danger.
Definition
Dathema was a stronghold in Gilead to which Jewish people fled for refuge from hostile forces.
Biblical Usage
Judas and Jonathan delivered the Jews who had taken refuge there during the Maccabean struggles.
Historical Background
Dathema was within a night’s march of Bosora. It is possibly identical with ‘Athaman, east of el-Muzeribe.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>dath'-e-ma (Dathema): A stronghold (1 Macc 5:29) in Gilead to which the Jews fled for refuge from the heathen (1 Macc 5:9). They were delivered by Judas and Jonathan his brother. It was within a night's march from Bosora. It may possibly be identical with `Athaman which lies East of el-Muzeribe in disputing the authority of Moses and Aaron in the wilderness (Nu 16-17; 26; De 11:6; Ps 106:17). Other followers of Korah perished by fire before the tent of meeting, but Dathan and Abiram were swallowed up by the earth, with their families and their goods, at their tents.</p>