| I Maccabees 2:42
| Then was assembled to them the congregation of the Assideans, the stoutest of Israel, every one that had a good will for the law.
| The Assideans. A set of men that led a religious life; and were zealous for the law and worship of God. (Challoner) --- They fought like the knights of Malta. (Cornelius a Lapide) --- Esidim (Haydock) means "the pious," Ecclesiasticus 44:10. Many think they were the same with the Cinites, Rechabites, and Essenes. From them sprung the Pharisees. (Calmet) --- The society was intent on adorning the temple, (Scaliger) by which they swore, Matthew 23:6. (Calmet) --- They were like monks in the old law. (Simon.) (Menochius) --- These Essenes followed piety, avoiding the hypocrisy and error of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Worthington) (Josephus, Jewish Wars 2:12.)
|