Essenes
Who were the Essenes? What did they believe? When was their religious movement popular?
The Essenes were a New Testament religious sect that existed from the second century B.C. to the first century A.D. Of the three main religious groups mentioned by Josephus (a well known first century Jewish historian), they are the only ones not found directly in Scripture. Some scholars believe they originated when several priests who descended from Zadok (the temple's first High Priest) left the service of the temple.
Although the Essenes lived in various cities, they congregated to live a communal monastic lifestyle that had strict membership requirements, rules, and rituals. They dedicated themselves to living an ascetic life that included voluntary poverty and abstaining from worldly pleasures. They were also known for many of the number being celibate.
They have been identified as the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Created two distinct camps the sons of light (their people) and sons of darkness (the rest of Israel).
They had a solar calander which was different than the rest.
They had influence the founding of the Christian Religion.
They trace back to the Sons of Zadok who was the first high priest in Solomon’s temple.
Ezekiel 40:46
Ezekiel 43:19
Ezekiel 44:15
Ezekiel 48:11
