Final answer:
The difference between St. Benedict's Rule and the Egyptian hermits lies in their approach to monasticism and communal living.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between St. Benedict's Rule and the Egyptian hermits lies in their approach to monasticism and communal living. St. Benedict's Rule, written by Benedict of Nursia in 529, laid out guidelines for monks to live a balanced life focused on prayer, study, and useful work. This rule emphasized the importance of community living and self-sufficiency. On the other hand, the Egyptian hermits, also known as the Desert Fathers, chose to live as solitary hermits in the desert, focusing on asceticism and divine contemplation away from human company.