Dr. Altman, You wrote: " These clans were not guild-like; they **WERE** guilds [emphasis mine] with whatever specialty upon which they were economically dependent passed down within the clan/guild and whose secrets were guarded by the clan craftmaster. The role of clan craftmaster has nothing to do with what we normally think of as "spiritual." The superficial resemblances between the functions of a "priest" and that of a clan craftmaster can be misunderstood as being "priestly," hence "spritual"...."
Dr. Gibson very kindly sent me the entire text from the Anchor articles that David Suter strongly recommended that I read concerning the "guild" nature of the Rechabites. I appreciate the assistance with that, Dr. Gibson. Dr. Altman, Do you think this "priestly" role of the guild master, is what is at the heart of Eusebius' reference to "Rechabite Priests"? Or do you think Talmudic references to Rechabites marrying into the family of the High Priest is the source of the idea that there were Rechabite Priests around at the time of the death of James (the brother of Jesus). I am wondering if BOTH points of view might be true? George Brooks Tampa, FL P.S. You wrote in a subsequent posting: "(Here are three more for George when he is done with the ABD article)" But I couldn't make out what the "three more" items were. Please advise on the additional articles or writers that have a bearing on these themes. I look forward to further research. 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)
