Abiram

Abiram is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily known for his involvement in a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. He was a member of the tribe of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. Abiram, along with his brother Dathan and a Levite named Korah, led a revolt against the leadership of Moses during the Israelites' wilderness journey.

The account of Abiram is found in the Book of Numbers. In Numbers 16:1-3 , it is recorded: "Now Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, along with some Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—conducted a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly." The rebellion was motivated by a desire for greater power and a challenge to the authority of Moses and Aaron, whom they accused of exalting themselves above the assembly of the Lord.

The outcome of this rebellion was severe. God instructed Moses to separate the congregation from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. As a result, the earth opened up and swallowed them, along with their households and all their possessions, as described in Numbers 16:31-33 : "As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly."

Abiram's account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of rebellion against divinely appointed leadership and the importance of humility and obedience to God's commands.

Segub

Segub is a lesser-known biblical figure mentioned in the context of the genealogy of the tribe of Judah. He is noted as the son of Hiel the Bethelite, who rebuilt the city of Jericho during the reign of King Ahab of Israel. The rebuilding of Jericho was undertaken despite a curse pronounced by Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses, who declared that whoever rebuilt the city would do so at the cost of his firstborn and youngest sons.

The account of Segub is found in 1 Kings 16:34 : "In Ahab’s days, Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho. At the cost of Abiram his firstborn, he laid its foundations, and at the cost of Segub his youngest, he set up its gates, according to the word of the LORD spoken through Joshua son of Nun." This verse highlights the fulfillment of Joshua's curse, as recorded in Joshua 6:26, which stated that the rebuilder of Jericho would lay its foundation at the cost of his firstborn and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son.

Segub's mention in the Bible is brief, and his life is primarily noted in the context of this tragic fulfillment of prophecy. His account underscores the enduring nature of divine pronouncements and the serious consequences of actions that defy God's declared will.