Psalm 68:18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 68:15-21

David, having given God praise for what he had done for Israel in general, as the God of Israel (Ps. 68:8), here comes to give him praise as Zion's God in a special manner; compare Ps. 9:11. Sing praises to the Lord who dwelleth in Zion, for which reason Zion is called the hill of God. I. He compares it with the hill of Bashan and other high and fruitful hills, and prefers it before them, Ps. 68:15, 16. It is true, Zion was but little and low in comparison with them, and was not covered over... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 68:18

Thou hast ascended on high ,.... Which is to be understood, not of Moses ascending up to the firmament, as the Targum and Jarchi interpret it, of which we nowhere read; nor of David's going up to the high fortresses, as Aben Ezra; nor of God's ascent from Mount Sinai; but of Christ's ascension to heaven, as the apostle cites and explains it in Ephesians 4:8 ; which ascension respects him as man, was not figurative, as in Genesis 17:22 ; but real and local, from earth to heaven, and was... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 68:18

Thou hast ascended on high - When the ark had reached the top of Sion, and was deposited in the place assigned for it, the singers joined in the following chorus. This seems to be an allusion to a military triumph. The conqueror was placed on a very elevated chariot. Led captivity captive - The conquered kings and generals were usually tied behind the chariot of the conqueror - bound to it, bound together, and walked after it, to grace the triumph of the victor. Thou hast received... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 68:18

Verse 18 18.Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive There can be little doubt that these words are intended to magnify the proofs of Divine favor granted upon the elevation of David to the throne, by contrasting the state of matters with that under Saul. The ascending on high implies the being previously low, and intimates, that under the melancholy confusions which had prevailed in the kingdom, there was no longer the same conspicuous display of the Divine glory as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 68:1-35

The psalm has been variously divided, but may best be considered as consisting of five portions: 1 . An introduction ( Psalms 68:1-6 ), in which God is praised on general grounds. 2 . Praise of God for his doings at Sinai and in the wilderness ( Psalms 68:7-10 ). 3 . Praise of God for the conquest of Canaan, and the series of victories terminating in the full establishment of David's rule ( Psalms 68:11-23 ). 4 . Praise of God in connection with his sanctuary ( ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 68:1-35

The ark and Christ. It is said that "the testimony of [or, 'concerning'] Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" ( Revelation 19:10 ). This is specially true of this psalm, it might be called a song of the ark. As Moses spake of the setting forward and resting of the ark ( Numbers 10:35 , Numbers 10:36 ), so the psalmist sings of the glorious march of Messiah at the head of his Church—onward from victory to victory—to the final rest. We may bring out much of its spiritual significance by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 68:11-23

From God's mercies to his people at Sinai and in the wilderness, the psalmist goes on to consider those connected with the conquest of Canaan, and the establishment of David's widespread rule. The passage is difficult and obscure, perhaps from its embodying fragments of the earlier Hebrew poetry. It is also full of curious transitions, and of ellipses which make the meaning doubtful. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 68:18

Thou hast ascended on high; i . e . ascended into the sanctuary, Mount Zion—gone up with the ark when it was transferred thither (see 2 Samuel 6:12-19 ; 1 Chronicles 15:11-28 ). Thou hast led captivity captive; i . e . thou hast made many captives—or enabled us to take many prisoners. Thou hast received gifts for men; rather, among men . Tribute from Israel's enemies is probably intended. Yea, for the rebellious also; literally, yea, rebels also ; i . e .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 68:18

Consider The Ascension in three aspects. I. AS A FACT . "Thou hast ascended." What was shown in figure is now fulfilled. What was a faith is now a fact ( Acts 1:2-9 ; Ephesians 4:7 ). While there is much that is strange, there is nothing that is incredible. The marvellous thing was not Christ's ascent, but his descent. Believe in the Incarnation, and all beside, down to the glorious ascent from Olivet, becomes not only credible, but natural. II. AS A POWER . Christ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 68:18

Thou hast ascended on high - That is, Thou hast gone up to the high place; to thy throne; to thine abode. The idea is, that God had descended or come down from his dwelling-place in the case referred to in the psalm, and that having now secured a victory by vanquishing his foes, and having given deliverance to his people, he had now returned, or reascended to his seat. This may either mean his throne on earth, or his abode in heaven. It would seem most probable that the latter is the idea.Thou... read more

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