At the climax of the rebellion, just moments before divine punishment strikes, Moses makes a dramatic move. He leaves his position and walks directly to the tents of the rebels. The primary approach among commentators is that this is a final, desperate attempt to prevent disaster and encourage the rebels to repent. Even though Dathan and Abiram were leaders of the uprising and had previously refused his summons, Moses refuses to lose hope [רשב״ם, רש״ר הירש, חומש קה״ת]. He believes that his physical presence at their doorstep will compel them to show respect and abandon their rebellion, yet they remain stubborn [רש״י, הדר זקנים, ברכת אשר]. This action highlights Moses' profound humility. Despite the severe insults to his dignity, he sets aside his personal honor and humbles himself to approach the very people who cursed him. This sets a timeless example that one should never hold onto a dispute and must do everything possible to extinguish the flames of conflict. Ultimately, this deep humility brings Moses true honor, while the pride of Dathan and Abiram leads to their complete ruin [אור החיים, תורה תמימה, רא״ש].
As for why Moses specifically approaches Dathan and Abiram rather than Korah, some explain that he is seizing a quiet moment when the two men are alone in their tents, whereas Korah is stationed at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting [העמק דבר, ברכת אשר]. Another perspective suggests a more practical necessity. The tents of Dathan and Abiram are located in the center of the camp, close to other tribes. Therefore, Moses must go there personally to warn the surrounding neighbors to step away from the area [שפתי כהן]. In contrast to the idea of a peaceful reconciliation, an alternative approach argues that Moses does not go to appease the rebels at all. Instead, he goes strictly to fulfill God's command to warn the rest of the congregation to distance themselves [ביאור יש״ר, העמק דבר, בכור שור]. Following this line of thought, Moses' arrival is an act of practical excommunication, intended to completely isolate the rebels from the rest of the Israelites [מלבי״ם].
As Moses walks toward the rebel camp, he is followed by the seventy chosen elders of the community [אבן עזרא, רבנו בחיי]. Their presence serves multiple vital purposes. First and foremost, they accompany him to offer their respect and support [בכור שור, העמק דבר]. This carries immense public weight. At a time when factions of the nation are mocking Moses and celebrating his difficulties, the elders' decision to walk behind him sends a clear message that the spiritual leadership remains completely loyal to him [העמק דבר, מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, the elders act as crucial witnesses. They are brought along to observe the great wonder that God is about to perform against the wicked [ביאור יש״ר]. They also witness firsthand the sheer arrogance of Dathan and Abiram, who refuse to emerge from their tents even when the leader of the nation comes directly to them. This undeniable testimony serves to justify the severe punishment about to unfold, ensuring that the people can never claim Moses brought about their deaths without clear and just cause [שפתי כהן].