Yet] Though these be thus bold to rail upon magistrates, yet the arch-angel would not rail on the devil, though he were greater then they, and devils far worse then wicked magistrates; and though he were greater then the devil, and they lesse then the magistrates whom they revile. Michael] Jude had this history either from some canonicall book lost, as some think; or, as others, from some history not canonicall; for such are cited in Scripture sometimes: or, by tradition, which was in use before the Scripture was written: or, by inspiration. No doubt it was true, because Gods Spirit here owneth it. the arch-angel] Some conceive him to be Christ: others, to be a principal angel, Daniel 10:13. when contending with the devil, he disputed] That is, he used might in deeds, as well as reason in words. Or, he disputed earnestly. about the body of Moses] Some understand it figuratively, of that contention about the deliverance of the people from captivity, Zechariah 3:2. because there the devil, and the words following, are found. Others take it literally, that when God is said to bury Moses his body, Deuteronomy 34:6. he employed the arch-angel Michael to do it, that no man might know where it was laid; but Satan resisted him, that so the people might know where it was, and worship it in after-times; or that Moses might not be so honourably buried: or, that his body might lie above ground, out of the land of Canaan, to be abused by the enemies of Gods people. durst not] Or, could not endure. It seemeth Michael had occasion given him to use bad language, and was much provoked by Satan; yet, out of fear of God, durst not do it. See the like in Joseph, Genesis 39:9. bring against him] Or, adde: to wit, to Satans words, who, as it seemeth, spared no ill language. railing accusation] Gr. judgement of blasphemie. the Lord, &c.] Zechariah 3:2. rebuke thee] Stop thy foul mouth: or, put thee to silence, a Mark 1:25. Luke 4. 35. and 23. 40.