But even the archangel Michael, when he disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, did not presume to bring a slanderous charge against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" But even the archangel MichaelThe phrase "But even the archangel Michael" introduces a significant figure in Jude's argument. Michael, whose name means "Who is like God?" in Hebrew, is one of the chief angels, often depicted as a warrior and protector of God's people. In the context of Jewish tradition and Scripture, Michael is seen as a powerful being, yet here he is portrayed with humility and restraint. This sets a precedent for believers, emphasizing that even the most powerful of God's servants act with deference to God's authority. when he disputed with the devil
The word "disputed" suggests a legal or formal argument, indicating a serious confrontation. The devil, or Satan, whose name means "adversary" in Hebrew, is often seen as the accuser of God's people. This confrontation over Moses' body is not detailed elsewhere in Scripture, but it reflects the ongoing spiritual warfare and the devil's attempts to claim authority or rights over God's people. The historical context may draw from Jewish traditions, such as those found in the Assumption of Moses, which speak of such a dispute. over the body of Moses
The "body of Moses" refers to the physical remains of the great prophet and leader of Israel. According to Deuteronomy 34:5-6, God Himself buried Moses in an undisclosed location. This secrecy may have been to prevent idolatry or misuse of his grave. Theologically, this dispute highlights the sanctity and divine protection over God's chosen servants, even in death. did not presume to bring a slanderous charge against him
The phrase "did not presume to bring a slanderous charge" underscores Michael's restraint and respect for divine order. The Greek word for "slanderous" is "blasphemia," which can mean abusive speech or defamation. Michael's refusal to engage in such behavior, even against the devil, serves as a model for believers to avoid reviling or speaking ill, even of those who oppose them. but said, 'The Lord rebuke you!'
Michael's response, "The Lord rebuke you," is a direct appeal to God's authority. Instead of taking matters into his own hands, Michael invokes the Lord's power to deal with the devil. This reflects a deep trust in God's justice and sovereignty. The phrase echoes Zechariah 3:2, where the Lord rebukes Satan in a similar manner. It serves as a reminder that ultimate judgment and authority belong to God alone, encouraging believers to rely on Him in spiritual battles. Persons / Places / Events 1. Michael the ArchangelMichael is one of the chief angels in the heavenly hierarchy, often depicted as a warrior and protector of God's people. In this verse, he is involved in a dispute with the devil. 2. The DevilAlso known as Satan, the devil is the adversary of God and His people. In this context, he is in a dispute with Michael over the body of Moses. 3. The Body of MosesThe event refers to a mysterious dispute over Moses' body after his death. The specifics of this event are not detailed in the canonical scriptures but are alluded to in Jude. 4. The LordThe ultimate authority invoked by Michael in the dispute, emphasizing reliance on God's power rather than personal authority. 5. DisputeThe contention between Michael and the devil highlights a spiritual battle, emphasizing the importance of divine authority. Teaching Points Reliance on Divine AuthorityMichael's response to the devil teaches us to rely on God's authority rather than our own strength in spiritual battles. Humility in Spiritual WarfareEven an archangel like Michael did not presume to confront the devil with accusations, demonstrating humility and respect for God's judgment. The Reality of Spiritual ConflictThis passage reminds believers of the ongoing spiritual warfare and the need to be vigilant and prayerful. Respect for God's SovereigntyThe dispute over Moses' body underscores the importance of respecting God's decisions and mysteries beyond our understanding. The Power of God's WordInvoking "The Lord rebuke you" highlights the power and authority of God's word in confronting evil. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Michael's approach to the dispute with the devil inform our understanding of spiritual authority and humility? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of relying on God's authority in our daily spiritual battles? 3. How does the role of Michael as depicted in Jude 1:9 and other scriptures encourage us in our faith journey? 4. What can we learn from the mysterious nature of the dispute over Moses' body about trusting God's sovereignty? 5. How does the phrase "The Lord rebuke you" serve as a model for addressing spiritual challenges in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 10:13, 21Michael is mentioned as a protector of Israel, reinforcing his role as a warrior angel. Revelation 12:7-9Michael leads the heavenly army against the dragon (Satan), illustrating his role in spiritual warfare. Deuteronomy 34:5-6Describes the death and burial of Moses, providing context for the dispute over his body. Zechariah 3:2The phrase "The Lord rebuke you" is similarly used, showing a pattern of invoking God's authority in spiritual matters. People Adam, Balaam, Cain, Core, Enoch, James, Judas, Jude, Korah, MichaelPlaces Egypt, Ephesus, Gomorrah, SodomTopics Abusive, Accusation, Angels, Archangel, Argued, Arguing, Body, Bring, Chief, Condemnation, Contending, Dare, Dared, Devil, Disputed, Disputing, Durst, Evil, Evil-speaking, Fearing, Fighting, Judge, Judgement, Judgment, Messenger, Michael, Presume, Pronounce, Railing, Reasoned, Rebuke, Reviling, Simply, Slanderous, Terms, Violent, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Jude 1:9 4111 angels, servants
4121 Satan, enemy of God
4145 archangels
5102 Moses, life of Jude 1:3-23 6169 godlessness Jude 1:4-19 5714 men Jude 1:8-10 5800 blasphemy Jude 1:8-16 8706 apostasy, warnings Library The Holy Spirit and the one Church
Our text suggests to us three things: first, an inquiry--Have we the Spirit? secondly, a caution--if we have not the spirit we are sensual; thirdly, a suspicion--there are many persons that separate themselves. Our suspicion concerning them is, that notwithstanding their extra-superfine profession, they are sensual, not having the Spirit; for our text says, "These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit." I. First, then, our text suggests AN INQUIRY--Have we the Spirit? This …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858Persevering Grace. Jude 1:24,25.
Persevering grace. Jude 1:24,25. To God the only wise, Our Savior and our King, Let all the saints below the skies Their humble praises bring. 'Tis his almighty love, His counsel, and' his care, Preserves us safe from sin and death, And every hurtful snare. He will present our souls, Unblemished and complete, Before the glory of his face, With joys divinely great. Then all the chosen seed Shall meet around the throne, Shall bless the conduct of his grace, And make his wonders known. To our Redeemer, …
Isaac Watts—The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts The Manifestation of the Church with Christ.
The last time the world saw the Lord Jesus He was alone--all alone in death. But when He returns to this earth He will not be alone. His saints will accompany Him. He is the "Firstborn among many brethren" (Rom. 8:29), and when He appears again they will be with Him. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again, bringing His sheaves with Him" (Ps. 126:6). Yes, that blessed One who humbled Himself to become the Sower shall return with "His sheaves"--"Behold, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return The Twofold Bearing of this Fact.
We come now to a point concerning which it behooves believers, particularly young believers and beginners in the study of prophecy, to be quite clear upon. Like the other two great Facts which we have reviewed--the First Advent of our Lord to this earth and His going away, and the presence now of the Holy Spirit upon this earth--this third great fact of the Redeemer's Return also has a double bearing, a bearing upon the Church and a bearing upon the world. The Second Coming of Christ will occur in …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Present Exaltation of Satan.
One of the greatest mysteries in all God's creation is the Devil. For any reliable information concerning him we are shut up to the Holy Scriptures. It is in God's Word alone that we can learn anything about his origin, his personality, his fall, his sphere of operations, and his approaching doom. One thing which is there taught us about the great Adversary of God and man, and which observation and experience fully confirms, is, that he is a being possessing mighty power. It would appear, from a …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return Salvation.
Salvation is the song that was to be sung by the redeemed in that day. "Behold now is the day." Our salvation has come. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men." Salvation means deliverance. A prophecy concerning the Christ--our salvation--says: "He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." Isa. 61:1. Christ our Savior came to deliver us from the prison-house of sin. In the …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day Saved by Grace;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE GRACE OF GOD: SHOWING-- I. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED. II. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED BY GRACE. III. WHO THEY AEE THAT ABE SAVED BY GRACE. IV. HOW IT APPEARS THAT THEY ARE SAVED BY GRACE. V. WHAT SHOULD BE THE REASON THAT GOD SHOULD CHOOSE TO SAVE SINNERS BY GRACE RATHER THAN BY ANY OTHER MEANS. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS admirable Treatise upon the most important of all subjects, that of the soul's salvation, was first published in a pocket volume, in the year 1675. This has …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of the Bible
Take its teachings about God Himself. What does the Bible teach us about God? It declares that He is Eternal: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou are God" (Ps. 90:2). It reveals the fact that He is Infinite: "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee" (I Kings 8:27). Vast as we know the universe to be, it has its bounds; but we must go beyond …
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible Links Jude 1:9 NIVJude 1:9 NLTJude 1:9 ESVJude 1:9 NASBJude 1:9 KJV
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