Final answer:
Jewish society in the first century CE consisted of diverse sub-groups like the Sadducees, known for being religious conservatives and temple priests; the Pharisees, who demanded adherence to all of Moses' laws; the Essenes, ascetic desert dwellers; and the Zealots, who were zealous nationalists.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first century CE saw a division within Jewish society that was marked by distinct sub-groups, each with their own characteristics and beliefs regarding the observance of Jewish law and the structure of society.
- Sadducees: They were a group of temple priests and aristocrats who held that only the Ten Commandments were binding for ordinary Jews, while the full 613 laws and injunctions laid down by Moses were for the priesthood. The Sadducees were religious conservatives and part of the societal elite.
- Pharisees: This group insisted that all Jews should follow the comprehensive laws of Moses and believed in the coming of a messiah who would inaugurate a day of judgment and fulfill the Biblical Covenant.
- Essenes: The Essenes led an ascetic life of mysticism in the desert, focusing on purity and communal living away from the cities.
- Zealots: They were zealous nationalists who advocated for armed revolt against the Roman empire in opposition to what they saw as an oppressive occupation of their homeland.
These various groups emerged from the complex religious and cultural evolution of the Hebrew people. Over centuries, Hebrew monotheism developed into what became known as Judaism, with a focus on Yahweh and his laws centralized in the Temple at Jerusalem. The history and development of this region, especially in relation to the diverse practices and beliefs of its people, reflect how geopolitical pressures and prophetic movements shaped a society with a strong religious identity.