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Of this Law the Pharisees were regarded as the highest interpreters, and presided over various schools, the principal of which in the time of the New Testament, were those of Hillel and Shammai, the former a moderate, the latter the strictest sect.

They held, (i) the existence of angels and spirits, good and bad; (ii)the immortality of the soul; (iii)a state of rewards and punishments after death; (iv)a resurrection of the just and unjust167 (Comp. Acts xxiii.8). As exponents of the Law, (i)they attached an undue importance to the outward act as compared with the inward spirit and motive; (ii)they were rigorous in exacting every external ceremonial, especially in reference to washings, fastings, tithes and alms; and (iii)were noted for pride and austerity.

Their political influence we have already seen was very great168. Holding strongly that the nation ought to be independent of foreign rule, standing high in favour with the people, and especially with the women169, pervading the entire country and forming the majority in the Sanhedrin, they wielded a very considerable power in the state, against which we have seen Hyrcanus, and Jannæus, vainly struggling170, and which Herod, with all his energy, was unable to control.