Prof. Suter, The view that the Rechabites were craftsmen in general is quite well established. But I'm not quite certain why you think these crafts preclude any capacity in Levitical or Priestly service. Priests made things in the service of Yahweh..... so why wouldn't a priest be a metal worker too? If priests make incense to be burned for Yahweh, it would not be unheard of if Priests made the bells that they rang for Yahweh as well, yes?
If Levites can carry wood, and guard a door.... then certainly Levites can be craftsmen....and Priests can be craftsmen. Eusebius does not refer to the Rechabite defending James as a "metal worker".... he calls him a priest. So why you keep wanting to return to the metalworker theme is sort of beside the point, don't you think? George Brooks Tampa, FL For private reply, e-mail to George Brooks <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ---------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe from Orion, e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: "unsubscribe Orion." Archives are on the Orion Web site, http://orion.mscc.huji.ac.il. (PLEASE REMOVE THIS TRAILOR BEFORE REPLYING TO THE MESSAGE)
