Jude 1:6 is a verse that delves into the topic of angels who rebelled against God's authority. In this passage, Jude alludes to angels who deviated from their designated roles and abandoned the light - heaven's realm.
The reference could be interpreted as a reflection of the rebellion led by Satan against God during the early stages of human history, as depicted in Isaiah 14:12–21 and Ezekiel 28:12–19. At that time, Satan enticed a significant number of angels, roughly one-third, to defy their heavenly abode. The catalyst behind their rebellion seems to be their discontent with the positions of authority assigned to them by God, as they aspired for greater power and autonomy.
Jude's reference to the rebellious angels serves as a caution of the consequences that befall those who defy God's authority, emphasizing divine judgment and retribution for disobedience.
The connection to Genesis 6:1–4 adds another dimension to Jude's reference, suggesting that certain rebellious angels, referred to as "sons of God," engaged in relations with "the daughters of man." These unions reportedly gave rise to beings known as Nephilim or "fallen ones," sometimes translated as "giants" in various English translations of the Bible.
It's worth noting that Jude may be drawing upon additional knowledge known to his contemporary readers, possibly from non-biblical writings like the Book of Enoch. This book recounts instances of God's judgment upon the fallen angels. Regardless of the specific source, Jude employs the example of these rebellious angels to highlight God's response to their defiance. According to Jude, God punished these spiritual beings by confining them in a place of darkness, where they await judgment (2 Peter 2:4). It is likely that their ultimate fate will align with Satan's eternal punishment in the lake of burning sulfur, as depicted in Revelation 20:7–10.
Be Blessed.