Biblical Hebrew Forum

[George Athas <George.Athas AT moore.edu.au>]

It would seem odd to say that David's sons became palace officials. They were 
that anyway, by virtue of being David's sons. The text says they became 
priests, so that's what it means. Remember, David himself is seen wearing an 
ephod before the Ark as he brings it to Jerusalem. And he offers sacrifices 
along the way. So, it's not unprecedented to have a king or non Aaronide 
functioning in a priestly way. Of course this raises the issue of 
Uzziah/Azariah, but the point is still made: there were non-Aaronide priests. 
The text doesn't make any positive or negative comments on it. It just states 
it matter of factly.


GEORGE ATHAS
Director of Postgraduate Studies,
Moore Theological College (moore.edu.au)
Sydney, Australia