Jewish groups in Palestine Flashcards
Who were the Pharisees and what did they believe?
The Pharisees were the largest group in Palestine, they were highly respected by others due to their strict obeying of the Torah teachings. They believed the temple was impure and had been corrupted. They also believed firmly in the idea of a resurrection of the dead and they look forward to the future messiah.
Who were the Sadducees and what did they believe?
The Sadducees were the most wealthy group due to their positions being close and secure to the Roman rulers. This group had feared the idea of revolutionaries as it would make their positions insecure. Sadducees did not believe in oral tradition and only stuck to the written scripture. Contrastingly to pharisees, they did not believe in a resurrection or any sort of angelic beings.
Who were the Essenes and what did they believe?
The Essenes were a very strict and monastic like group. They regarded the temple as corrupt and did not offer sacrifices. This group lived by the dead sea as monks and also despised riches and wealth. Essenes believed that there was a war between good and evil and that there would be 2 Messiahs to come.
Who were the Zealots and what did they believe?
The Zealots (revolutionaries) were a rebellion type group. This was due to their “promised land” being occupied and stolen by the Romans, and they were also forced to pay high taxes in this land. Zealots claim that GOD is their only king and the messiah was their leader.
