These were closely associated with the temple and their main function was to circulate among the people, explaining temple procedures, making sure or encouraging the people to pay their tithes and also encouraging them to attend the festivals in the Jerusalem temple thrice a year.

They were closely connected with the Sadducees and would have helped in temple worship and sacrifices. They also would have helped in maintaining the various aspects of temple work such as the library. They have been regarded as teachers, theologians, lawyers and expounders of the Jewish law.