Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. This verse provides striking contrast to the false teachers' arrogance. "Michael the archangel" (Greek ho Michaēl ho archangelos, ὁ Μιχαὴλ ὁ ἀρχάγγελος) is the highest-ranking angel, commander of heavenly armies (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1; Revelation 12:7). "Contending" (Greek diakrinomenos, διακρινόμενος) means disputing, arguing legally.
The dispute concerned "the body of Moses"—an incident not recorded in canonical Scripture but found in Jewish tradition (Testament of Moses/Assumption of Moses). Apparently Satan claimed rights to Moses' body, perhaps because Moses murdered the Egyptian (Exodus 2:12) or because Satan rules death (Hebrews 2:14). Despite Satan's rebellion and Michael's superior authority, Michael "durst not bring a railing accusation" (Greek ouk etolmēsen krisin epenegkein blasphēmias, οὐκ ἐτόλμησεν κρίσιν ἐπενεγκεῖν βλασφημίας)—didn't dare pronounce slanderous judgment.
Instead, Michael said simply, "The Lord rebuke thee" (Greek epitimasai soi kyrios, ἐπιτιμήσαι σοι κύριος)—may the Lord rebuke you. This echoes Zechariah 3:2 where the Lord rebukes Satan. Michael deferred to God's authority rather than pronouncing his own condemnation. The point: if Michael showed such restraint toward the devil, how much more should humans avoid presumptuous condemnation of spiritual beings?
Historical Context
Jude's reference to non-canonical Jewish literature (Assumption of Moses) troubled some early Christians and contributed to debates over Jude's canonicity. However, quoting extrabiblical sources doesn't endorse everything in those sources—Paul quoted pagan poets (Acts 17:28, Titus 1:12) without endorsing paganism. Jude uses a story his readers knew to illustrate truth, under the Spirit's inspiration.
Jewish apocalyptic literature extensively discussed angelic hierarchies and cosmic spiritual warfare. Michael appears as Israel's guardian angel and Satan's opponent. The struggle over Moses' body reflects broader themes of contested authority over the dead and Satan's role as accuser. Deuteronomy 34:6 notes God buried Moses in an unknown location, possibly to prevent idolatrous veneration.
The early church inherited Judaism's awareness of spiritual realities—angels and demons aren't myths but real beings. Paul's teaching on spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12) assumes this worldview. However, Christians must avoid both extremes: denial of spiritual warfare (Enlightenment rationalism) and unhealthy fascination with demonic powers (medieval superstition, modern occultism). Scripture provides necessary truth while forbidding speculation.
Questions for Reflection
What does Michael's restraint teach about humility and proper boundaries in spiritual warfare?
How can believers engage spiritual realities biblically without falling into either skepticism or superstition?
What's the difference between legitimate spiritual authority and the presumptuous arrogance of false teachers?
Analysis & Commentary
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. This verse provides striking contrast to the false teachers' arrogance. "Michael the archangel" (Greek ho Michaēl ho archangelos, ὁ Μιχαὴλ ὁ ἀρχάγγελος) is the highest-ranking angel, commander of heavenly armies (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1; Revelation 12:7). "Contending" (Greek diakrinomenos, διακρινόμενος) means disputing, arguing legally.
The dispute concerned "the body of Moses"—an incident not recorded in canonical Scripture but found in Jewish tradition (Testament of Moses/Assumption of Moses). Apparently Satan claimed rights to Moses' body, perhaps because Moses murdered the Egyptian (Exodus 2:12) or because Satan rules death (Hebrews 2:14). Despite Satan's rebellion and Michael's superior authority, Michael "durst not bring a railing accusation" (Greek ouk etolmēsen krisin epenegkein blasphēmias, οὐκ ἐτόλμησεν κρίσιν ἐπενεγκεῖν βλασφημίας)—didn't dare pronounce slanderous judgment.
Instead, Michael said simply, "The Lord rebuke thee" (Greek epitimasai soi kyrios, ἐπιτιμήσαι σοι κύριος)—may the Lord rebuke you. This echoes Zechariah 3:2 where the Lord rebukes Satan. Michael deferred to God's authority rather than pronouncing his own condemnation. The point: if Michael showed such restraint toward the devil, how much more should humans avoid presumptuous condemnation of spiritual beings?