Early Criticism of the Priesthood

Given the centrality of the Temple and its worship and the diversity of groups and views among Judeans, conflict over the Temple and its practices was common. Such conflict, often centering on claims that the priesthood was illegitimate, is attested in a wide range of sources.

Corruption of the Temple

Criticism of the Hasmonean priesthood is a common theme in the sectarian texts among the Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran. The fragmentary passages here accuse the Temple establishment of a variety of infractions, including violation of sexual prohibitions, theft, oppression, and desecration of the Sabbath and festivals. See also Sectarian Texts from Qumran.

Conflict in the Temple 

The Temple sometimes became a site of conflict and violence. Josephus writes of a number of instances in which political and religious conflicts erupt into violence on the pilgrimage festivals, when massive crowds gather at the Temple (see also “Archelaus’ Rise to Power”). The Mishnah and Tosefta include variant accounts of a conflict between priests that results in violence. Accounts like these may have served as a way of asserting rabbinic authority over ritual.