Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil as he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke you.
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Aquinas Study Bible
AD 2017
Jude makes use here of the apocryphal book of the Assumption of Moses, but it does not mean that the book is inspired, but it does mean that the portion that Jude is referring to is true and worthy to be believed as inspired because Jude, who was lead by the Holy Spirit in this epistle, made reference to it, and in turn it becomes a divinely revealed fact in Scripture. There are numerous apocryphal writings that are intermingled with truth and exaggerated pious legends. (John Litteral) We even find St. Paul quoting some true passages from Pagan authors, and having been quoted by him, the quotes have all the authority of divinely inspired Scriptures (Titus 1:12; 1 Cor 15:33). (Bishop John McEvilly) If Michael had scruples about using an abusive word to the Devil, how much more insufferable is the action of those who are not afraid to revile people pre-eminent in authority and rank. (Erasmus)
When Michael We do not find this in any other canonical Scripture, so that St. Jude must either have had it from some tradition among the Jews, or from some writing which he, by the Spirit of God, knew to be true. It is not expressed on what account this dispute or strife was, betwixt St. Michael and the devil, about the body of Moses. The common interpretation is, that St. Michael conveyed the body of Moses out of the way, and from the knowledge of the Israelites, lest they should pay to it some idolatrous worship; whereas the devil, for that end, would have it buried, so that the people might know the place and adore it. See Deuteronomy xxxiv. 6. where it is said, "and no man hath known of his sepulchre until this present day. "(Witham)
Contended about the body This contention, which is no where else mentioned in holy writ, was originally known by revelation, and transmitted by tradition. It is thought the occasion of it was, that the devil would have had the body buried in such a p...
