Then a company of the Hasidaeans, mighty men of Israel, everyone who offered himself willingly for the law, were gathered together to them.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 42. 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. A. Lapide—Esidim ( Bible.) means “the pious.” Sirach 44:10. Many think they were the same with the Cinites, Rechabites, and Essenes. From them spring the Pharisees. Calmet.—The society was intent on adorning the temple, (Scal.) 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. Jos. Bel. ii. 12.
That is, Chasidim.