Understanding the Bible
This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture.
The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters today.
These studies are designed for personal Bible reading, small groups, teaching preparation, or anyone who wants to grow in biblical understanding without needing technical training.
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Quick Answer
Jude 1:9 teaches that even Michael the archangel did not act arrogantly when confronting the devil, but instead said, “The Lord rebuke you.”
Jude uses this example to expose the arrogance of false teachers who speak boldly and irreverently about spiritual realities they do not understand.
The story likely comes from a known Jewish tradition, which Jude, under inspiration, uses to make a true and authoritative point about humility under God’s authority.
Why This Question Comes Up
Jude 1:9 raises two immediate questions:
- What is this story about Michael and the devil?
- Where did Jude get this information?
The confusion comes from the fact that this specific event is not recorded in the Old Testament.
That leads some to wonder whether Jude is quoting something outside the Bible—and if so, what that means for Scripture.
But before answering where the story comes from, we need to understand why Jude uses it.
His goal is not to satisfy curiosity about Moses’ body, but to confront arrogance within the church.
The Passage in Question
Jude 1:9 (NLT)
“But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’”
Jude also notes that this took place while Michael was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses.
While the exact details of that dispute are not recorded in Scripture, the emphasis of the verse is not on the event itself, but on how Michael responded.
Simple Explanation
Jude’s point is built on a contrast:
- Michael is powerful and righteous
- Yet he does not act arrogantly or independently
- Instead, he appeals to the Lord’s authority
In contrast, the false teachers Jude warns about:
- speak boldly
- act arrogantly
- show no restraint
The lesson is clear: true spiritual maturity is marked by humility under God’s authority, not boldness without restraint.
Where Did Jude Get This Information?
This exact story is not found in the Old Testament, but it appears to come from a Jewish tradition known in Jude’s day.
Jude is likely referring to a Jewish tradition associated with what is commonly called the Assumption of Moses, a work we no longer possess in full.
While we do not have a surviving version of that text containing this exact account, it is clear that:
- This story was known among Jewish readers
- Jude’s audience would have recognized it
- Jude uses it as a familiar illustration
Early Christian writers such as Origen recognized this account as coming from a Jewish writing commonly called the Assumption of Moses, confirming that Jude was drawing from a known tradition.
The tradition likely involved Satan bringing an accusation related to Moses, which fits the biblical pattern of Satan as an accuser (see Zechariah 3).
However, Jude’s focus is not on the details of the dispute, but on Michael’s response.
Does This Make That Source Scripture?
No. Quoting or referencing a source does not make that entire source Scripture.
Biblical writers sometimes:
- refer to known traditions
- use familiar illustrations
- engage ideas their audience already understood
What matters is this: Jude, under inspiration, uses this account truthfully and authoritatively.
The authority comes from Scripture—not from the original source of the story.
Deeper Dive
Jude’s use of this example fits directly into his argument.
Throughout the letter, he exposes false teachers who:
- reject authority
- act with spiritual arrogance
- speak about things they do not understand
So he points to Michael as a contrast.
Even in a direct confrontation with the devil:
- Michael does not pronounce his own judgment
- Michael does not act independently
- Michael appeals to the Lord’s authority
His response—“The Lord rebuke you”—echoes Zechariah 3:2, where the Lord rebukes Satan.
This reveals a consistent biblical principle: ultimate judgment belongs to God, not to us.
It is important to see that Jude is not teaching a method for spiritual warfare here.
He is teaching something deeper: even the highest angel operates under God’s authority.
If that is true of Michael, how much more should it be true of us?
What This Means Today
Jude 1:9 challenges how we think about authority, humility, and spiritual maturity.
- We do not speak arrogantly about what we do not understand
- We do not take God’s place in judgment
- We remain humble, even when we are right
- We rely on God’s authority, not our own
Spiritual maturity is not loud confidence—it is humble dependence.
What We Can Say with Confidence
- Jude 1:9 is about humility under God’s authority
- The story likely comes from a known Jewish tradition
- Jude is likely referring to a tradition associated with the Assumption of Moses
- Early church writers like Origen confirm this connection
- Quoting a source does not make that source Scripture
- The emphasis is on submission to God, not spiritual technique
Key Takeaway
Jude 1:9 reminds us that true spiritual maturity is not marked by bold, self-confident speech—but by humble submission to God’s authority.
Even Michael did not step outside his role.
👉 If even Michael showed restraint, we should too.
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