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.
On this page:
Quick Answer
The Assumption of Moses is an ancient Jewish writing (now lost in full) that likely contained a story about the archangel Michael disputing with the devil over Moses’ body.
Jude 1:9 appears to reference this tradition, using it to illustrate humility and submission to God’s authority.
However, the work itself is not Scripture, and Jude’s use of it does not make it authoritative.
Why This Question Matters
Jude 1:9 mentions a surprising event:
Michael the archangel disputing with the devil over the body of Moses.
The challenge is that this story is not found in the Old Testament.
That leads to an important question:
- Where did Jude get this information?
Many scholars believe Jude is referring to a Jewish tradition associated with a writing known as the Assumption of Moses.
Understanding this helps us:
- make sense of Jude 1:9
- understand how biblical authors used known traditions
- maintain clarity about what is and is not Scripture
What Is the Assumption of Moses?
The Assumption of Moses is an ancient Jewish work, likely written sometime between the first century BC and the first century AD.
It is traditionally associated with Moses and focuses on events surrounding the end of his life.
Today, we do not have the full text.
What survives is a related document often called the Testament of Moses, but it does not include the specific story referenced in Jude.
This suggests that:
- either part of the original work has been lost
- or the tradition circulated independently alongside the text
Either way, the story Jude references was known in Jewish tradition.
How It Connects to Jude 1:9
Jude 1:9 says:
Michael the archangel disputed with the devil about the body of Moses, but did not bring a slanderous accusation—instead saying, “The Lord rebuke you.”
This exact event is not recorded in the Old Testament.
However, early Christian writers (such as Origen) recognized this as coming from a Jewish writing commonly called the Assumption of Moses.
This indicates that:
- the story was known in Jewish tradition
- Jude’s audience would likely recognize it
- Jude uses it as a familiar example
Jude’s focus is not on the story itself, but on the behavior of Michael.
What Did It Likely Contain?
Based on Jude 1:9 and early references, the tradition likely included:
- a dispute between Michael and Satan over Moses’ body
- Satan acting as an accuser (consistent with Zechariah 3)
- Michael refusing to pronounce judgment himself
- an appeal to God’s authority: “The Lord rebuke you”
While the details are limited, the central idea is clear:
even a powerful angel operates under God’s authority.
Historical Background
The Assumption of Moses reflects Jewish thought during the Second Temple period.
During this time, various writings expanded on Old Testament stories and traditions.
These writings were:
- widely known in some circles
- sometimes used for teaching or illustration
- not considered Scripture
Jude’s use of this tradition fits within that cultural context.
Is It Scripture?
No, the Assumption of Moses is not Scripture.
It was not included in:
- the Hebrew Bible
- the Old Testament canon
- the New Testament canon
Jude’s reference does not elevate it to the level of Scripture.
Quoting or referencing a tradition does not make that tradition inspired.
Why Jude Uses This Tradition
Jude’s purpose is not to teach about Moses’ body.
His purpose is to confront false teachers.
He uses this example to show:
- Michael had great authority
- yet he did not act arrogantly
- he submitted to God’s authority
In contrast, false teachers:
- speak arrogantly
- reject authority
- act without restraint
The point is humility under God—not curiosity about the event.
What This Means Today
Jude’s use of this tradition teaches us several important lessons.
- Not every detail we encounter will be fully explained in Scripture
- God’s truth is often communicated through familiar examples
- Spiritual maturity is marked by humility, not arrogance
It also reminds us to stay focused on what matters most.
The goal is not to solve every mystery, but to understand God’s message.
Truth is found in how we respond to God’s authority.
What We Can Say with Confidence
- Jude 1:9 references a known Jewish tradition
- This tradition is commonly linked to the Assumption of Moses
- The full text of that work is no longer available
- Jude uses it as an illustration, not as Scripture
- The focus is on humility under God’s authority
Key Takeaway
The Assumption of Moses is an ancient Jewish tradition that helps explain the background of Jude 1:9, but it is not Scripture.
Jude uses it to highlight a powerful truth: even the highest angel submits to God’s authority.
👉 Bottom Line: True spiritual strength is not shown in boldness or arrogance—but in humble submission to God.
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