John Calvin Commentary Jude 1:9

"But Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing judgment, but said, The Lord rebuke thee." — Jude 1:9 (ASV)

Yet Michael the archangel. Peter presents this argument more briefly, stating generally that angels, far more excellent than humans, dare not bring forward a railing judgment (2 Peter 2:11).

But as this history is thought to have been taken from an apocryphal book, less weight has consequently been attached to this Epistle. However, since the Jews at that time had many things from the traditions of their ancestors, I see nothing unreasonable in saying that Jude referred to what had already been handed down for many ages. I know indeed that many foolish notions had acquired the name of tradition, just as today the Papists relate as traditions many of the silly foolish tales of the monks; but this is no reason why they should not have had some historical facts not committed to writing.

It is beyond controversy that Moses was buried by the Lord; that is, his grave was concealed according to God's known purpose. The reason for concealing his grave is evident to all: namely, so that the Jews would not bring out his body to promote superstition. What wonder is it, then, that when the prophet's body was hidden by God, Satan would attempt to make it known, and that angels, who are always ready to serve God, would, on the other hand, resist him? And undoubtedly, we see that Satan in almost all ages has been endeavoring to make the bodies of God’s saints idols for foolish people. Therefore, this Epistle should not be suspected on account of this testimony, even though it is not found in Scripture.

That Michael is introduced alone as disputing against Satan is not new. We know that myriads of angels are always ready to serve God, but He chooses one or another to do His work as He pleases. What Jude relates as having been said by Michael is also found in the book of Zechariah:

“Let God chide (or check) thee, Satan.” (Zechariah 3:2).

And it is a comparison, as they say, between the greater and the lesser. Michael dared not speak more severely against Satan (though a reprobate and condemned) than to hand him over to God to be restrained; but those men did not hesitate to load with extreme reproaches the powers that God had adorned with special honors.