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Jud 1:9. Ὁ δὲ Μιχαὴλ, but Michael) It matters not whether the apostle received the knowledge of this contention from revelation only, or from the tradition of the elders: it is sufficient that he writes true things, and even admitted to be true by the brethren. Comp. Jud 1:14, note. Δὲ answers to μέντοι.-ὁ ἀρχάγγελος, the archangel) Mention is made of the archangel in this place only, and 1Th 4:16 (where also a most important subject is treated of, the resurrection of the dead): there is no mention of it elsewhere; so that we cannot determine whether there is one archangel only, or more.-ὅτε, when) When this dispute arose, and on what day, is not expressed: it certainly happened after the death of Moses.-τῷ διαβόλῳ, with the devil) against whom it is especially befitting for Michael to contend, Revelation 12-διακρινόμενος διελέγετο, disputing he contended) It was therefore a judicial contest.-περὶ τοῦ Μωσέως σώματος, concerning the body of Moses) He is plainly speaking of the identical body of Moses, now lifeless. In a matter full of mystery, we ought not to alter that part of the language which is plain, according to our own convenience. The devil, who had the power of death, and therefore perhaps claimed the right of hindering the resurrection of Moses, made some attempt, whatever it was, against the body of Moses.[3]-ΟὐΚ ἘΤΌΛΜΗΣΕ, did not dare) Modesty is an angelic virtue. The greater was the victory at length given to Michael: Rev 12:7.-The Synopsis of Sohar, p. 92, n. 6. It is not permitted man ignominiously to rail at a race opposed to him; that is, evil spirits.-Schœtt-genius. οὐκ-ἀλλʼ ὡς, Rom 9:32.-ΒΛΑΣΦΗΜΊΑς, of railing) that is, βλάσφημον, railing, 2Pe 2:11.-ἘΠΙΤΙΜΉΣΑΙ ΣΟΙ, punish thee) An instance of the Divine reserve.-Κύριος, the Lord) and none but He. To His judgment the angel assents beforehand [in advance].
[3] For a full discussion of the subject, see Michaelis’ Introduction, by Bishop Marsh, vol. 6.-T.