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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 68:18 You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/68-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/19_Psa_068_018.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 68:18 - God's Enemies Are Scattered" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. 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You received gifts from the people, even from those who rebelled against you. Now the LORD God will live among us there. <a href="/esv/psalms/68.htm">English Standard Version</a> You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there. <a href="/bsb/psalms/68.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there. <a href="/kjv/psalms/68.htm">King James Bible</a> Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. <a href="/nkjv/psalms/68.htm">New King James Version</a> You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, Even from the rebellious, That the LORD God might dwell there. <a href="/nasb_/psalms/68.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> You have ascended on high, You have led captive Your captives; You have received gifts among people, Even among the rebellious as well, that the LORD God may dwell there. <a href="/nasb/psalms/68.htm">NASB 1995</a> You have ascended on high, You have led captive Your captives; You have received gifts among men, Even among the rebellious also, that the LORD God may dwell there. <a href="/nasb77/psalms/68.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast led captive Thy captives; Thou hast received gifts among men, Even among the rebellious also, that the LORD God may dwell there. <a href="/lsb/psalms/68.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> You have ascended on high, You have led captive Your captives; You have received gifts among men, Even among the rebellious also, that Yah—God—may dwell there. <a href="/amp/psalms/68.htm">Amplified Bible</a> You have ascended on high, You have led away captive Your captives; You have received gifts among men, Even from the rebellious also, that the LORD God may dwell there. <a href="/csb/psalms/68.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> You ascended to the heights, taking away captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious, so that the LORD God might dwell there. <a href="/hcsb/psalms/68.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> You ascended to the heights, taking away captives; You received gifts from people, even from the rebellious, so that the LORD God might live there. <a href="/asv/psalms/68.htm">American Standard Version</a> Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led away captives; Thou hast received gifts among men, Yea, among the rebellious also, that Jehovah God might dwell with them. <a href="/cev/psalms/68.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When you climbed the high mountain, you took prisoners with you and were given gifts. Your enemies didn't want you to live there, but they gave you gifts. <a href="/erv/psalms/68.htm">English Revised Version</a> Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led thy captivity captive; thou hast received gifts among men, yea, among the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell with them. <a href="/gwt/psalms/68.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You went to the highest place. You took prisoners captive. You received gifts from people, even from rebellious people, so that the LORD God may live there. <a href="/gnt/psalms/68.htm">Good News Translation</a> He goes up to the heights, taking many captives with him; he receives gifts from rebellious people. The LORD God will live there. <a href="/isv/psalms/68.htm">International Standard Version</a> You ascended to the heights, you took captives. You received gifts among mankind, even the rebellious, so the LORD God may live there. <a href="/msb/psalms/68.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there. <a href="/net/psalms/68.htm">NET Bible</a> You ascend on high, you have taken many captives. You receive tribute from men, including even sinful rebels. Indeed the LORD God lives there! <a href="/nheb/psalms/68.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> You have ascended on high. You have taken captivity captive. And you gave gifts to people; but the rebellious will not dwell in the presence of God. <a href="/wbt/psalms/68.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yes, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. <a href="/web/psalms/68.htm">World English Bible</a> You have ascended on high. You have led away captives. You have received gifts among people, yes, among the rebellious also, that Yah God might dwell there. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/psalms/68.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> You have ascended on high, "" You have taken captivity captive, "" You have taken gifts for men, "" That even the stubborn may rest, O YAH God. <a href="/ylt/psalms/68.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast taken captive captivity, Thou hast taken gifts for men, That even the refractory may rest, O Jah God. <a href="/slt/psalms/68.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Thou didst go up to height, thou didst take captive captivity: thou didst receive gifts in man, also those turning away, for Jehovah God to dwell.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/psalms/68.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive; thou hast received gifts in men. Yea for those also that do not believe, the dwelling of the Lord God. <a href="/cpdv/psalms/68.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 67:19>You have ascended on high; you have taken captivity captive. You have accepted gifts among men. For even those who do not believe dwell with the Lord God. <a href="/nabre/psalms/68.htm">New American Bible</a> You went up to its lofty height; you took captives, received slaves as tribute, even rebels, for the LORD God to dwell. <a href="/nrsvce/psalms/68.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You ascended the high mount, leading captives in your train and receiving gifts from people, even from those who rebel against the LORD God’s abiding there.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/psalms/68.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast carried away captives; thou hast blessed men with gifts; but rebellious men shall not dwell before the presence of God. <a href="/hpbt/psalms/68.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> You have ascended on high and you have captured captivity and you have given gifts to the children of men and rebels will not dwell before God.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/psalms/68.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast led captivity captive; Thou hast received gifts among men, Yea, among the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell there. <a href="/sep/psalms/68.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Thou art gone up on high, thou hast led captivity captive, thou hast received gifts for man, yea, for they were rebellious, that thou mightest dwell among them. <a href="/parallel/psalms/68-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=7973" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/psalms/68.htm">God's Enemies Are Scattered</a> …17The chariots of God are tens of thousands—thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai. 18<a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ‘ā·lî·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">You have ascended</a> <a href="/hebrew/4791.htm" title="4791: lam·mā·rō·wm (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Height. From ruwm; altitude, i.e. Concretely, abstractly (elation), or adverbially (aloft).">on high;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7628.htm" title="7628: še·ḇî (N-ms) -- Exiled, captured, exile, booty. From shbuw; exiled; captured; as noun, exile; by extension, booty.">You have led captives away.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7617.htm" title="7617: šā·ḇî·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To take captive. A primitive root; to transport into captivity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: lā·qaḥ·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">You have received</a> <a href="/hebrew/4979.htm" title="4979: mat·tā·nō·wṯ (N-fp) -- A gift. Feminine of mattan; a present; specifically, a sacrificial offering, a bribe.">gifts</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: bā·’ā·ḏām (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">from men,</a> <a href="/hebrew/637.htm" title="637: wə·’ap̄ (Conj) -- Also, yea. A primitive particle; meaning accession; also or yea; adversatively though.">even</a> <a href="/hebrew/5637.htm" title="5637: sō·wr·rîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- Stubborn or rebellious. A primitive root; to turn away, i.e. be refractory.">from the rebellious,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3050.htm" title="3050: yāh (N-proper-ms) -- The name of the God of Israel. Contraction for Yhovah, and meaning the same; Jah, the sacred name.">that the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/7931.htm" title="7931: liš·kōn (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root (by transmission) to shakab through the idea of lodging; compare cikluwth, shakam); to reside or permanently stay.">may dwell there.</a> 19Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God of our salvation. Selah…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ephesians/4-8.htm">Ephesians 4:8</a> This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.” <a href="/acts/2-33.htm">Acts 2:33</a> Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. <a href="/colossians/2-15.htm">Colossians 2:15</a> And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. <a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a> The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. <a href="/john/3-13.htm">John 3:13</a> No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. <a href="/1_peter/3-22.htm">1 Peter 3:22</a> who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him. <a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a> Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. <a href="/revelation/5-12.htm">Revelation 5:12</a> In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” <a href="/luke/24-51.htm">Luke 24:51</a> While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven. <a href="/mark/16-19.htm">Mark 16:19</a> After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. <a href="/daniel/7-13.htm">Daniel 7:13-14</a> In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. <a href="/isaiah/53-12.htm">Isaiah 53:12</a> Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a> The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, <a href="/psalms/110-1.htm">Psalm 110:1</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” <a href="/psalms/47-5.htm">Psalm 47:5</a> God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD with the sound of the horn.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>You have ascended on high, you have led captivity captive: you have received gifts for men; yes, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.ascended<a href="/psalms/24-3.htm">Psalm 24:3,7-10</a> Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? … <a href="/psalms/47-5.htm">Psalm 47:5</a> God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.<a href="/psalms/110-1.htm">Psalm 110:1</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.led<a href="/judges/5-12.htm">Judges 5:12</a> Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.received<a href="/luke/24-49.htm">Luke 24:49</a> And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.<a href="/john/14-16.htm">John 14:16,17</a> And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; … <a href="/john/16-7.htm">John 16:7,13-15</a> Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you… for men [heb.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-45.htm">1 Corinthians 15:45-47</a> And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit… <a href="/colossians/1-18.htm">Colossians 1:18,19</a> And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence… <a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3,9</a> In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge… rebellious<a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Proverbs 1:22,23</a> How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? … <a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a> Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.<a href="/matthew/9-13.htm">Matthew 9:13</a> But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.that<a href="/psalms/78-60.htm">Psalm 78:60</a> So that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent which he placed among men;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/24-3.htm">Ascend</a> <a href="/psalms/47-5.htm">Ascended</a> <a href="/psalms/53-6.htm">Captive</a> <a href="/job/3-18.htm">Captives</a> <a href="/psalms/53-6.htm">Captivity</a> <a href="/psalms/68-16.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/psalms/68-10.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-41.htm">Elohim</a> <a href="/psalms/68-9.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/psalms/68-16.htm">High</a> <a href="/psalms/68-4.htm">Jah</a> <a href="/psalms/60-9.htm">Led</a> <a href="/psalms/68-16.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/psalms/68-6.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/psalms/68-6.htm">Rebellious</a> <a href="/job/15-18.htm">Received</a> <a href="/psalms/66-7.htm">Refractory</a> <a href="/psalms/68-13.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/psalms/68-16.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/psalms/45-14.htm">Train</a> <a href="/psalms/68-4.htm">Yah</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/135-7.htm">Ascend</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-4.htm">Ascended</a> <a href="/psalms/69-33.htm">Captive</a> <a href="/psalms/106-46.htm">Captives</a> <a href="/psalms/78-61.htm">Captivity</a> <a href="/psalms/68-30.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/psalms/74-7.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/psalms/72-18.htm">Elohim</a> <a href="/psalms/68-29.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/psalms/69-29.htm">High</a> <a href="/psalms/77-11.htm">Jah</a> <a href="/psalms/77-19.htm">Led</a> <a href="/psalms/74-2.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/psalms/69-33.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/psalms/78-8.htm">Rebellious</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-25.htm">Received</a> <a href="/hosea/4-16.htm">Refractory</a> <a href="/psalms/69-36.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Train</a> <a href="/psalms/89-8.htm">Yah</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 68</div>1. <a href="/psalms/68-1.htm">A prayer at the removing of the ark</a> 4. <a href="/psalms/68-4.htm">An exhortation to praise God for his mercies</a> 7. <a href="/psalms/68-7.htm">for his care of the church</a> 19. <a href="/psalms/68-19.htm">for his great works</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/68.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/68.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>You have ascended on high; This phrase is often interpreted as a reference to a victorious king returning from battle, ascending to a place of honor and authority. In the context of ancient Israel, this imagery would resonate with the cultural practice of a king ascending to his throne or a high place after a military victory. Biblically, this is seen as a type of Christ's ascension into heaven after His resurrection, as mentioned in <a href="/ephesians/4-8.htm">Ephesians 4:8-10</a>, where Paul directly quotes this verse to describe Christ's triumph over sin and death. The "high" can also symbolize the heavenly realm, indicating Christ's exaltation and His position at the right hand of God.You have led captives away. This phrase suggests the idea of a victorious leader parading captives as a demonstration of triumph. In ancient Near Eastern culture, it was common for victors to lead captives in a procession, showcasing their power and success. Spiritually, this can be seen as Christ leading captivity captive, liberating those who were bound by sin and death. This is echoed in <a href="/colossians/2-15.htm">Colossians 2:15</a>, where Christ is described as disarming the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them. The captives can also symbolize spiritual enemies defeated by Christ's work on the cross.You have received gifts from men, In ancient times, it was customary for a victorious king to receive tribute or gifts from those he had conquered or from his own people in celebration of victory. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ receiving honor and worship from those He has redeemed. The gifts symbolize the offerings and praises given to God by His people, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace. This is further connected to the New Testament understanding of spiritual gifts given to the church, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-13</a>, where Christ, having ascended, gives gifts to His people for the building up of the body of Christ.even from the rebellious, This phrase highlights the comprehensive nature of God's victory, where even those who were once opposed to Him are brought into submission. Historically, this could refer to the subjugation of rebellious nations or peoples who are now compelled to acknowledge the authority of the victorious king. Spiritually, it reflects the transformative power of God's grace, where former rebels against God are converted and become part of His kingdom. This is reminiscent of <a href="/philippians/2-10.htm">Philippians 2:10-11</a>, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.that the LORD God may dwell there. The ultimate purpose of the victory and the receiving of gifts is so that God may dwell among His people. In the Old Testament, God's dwelling place was the tabernacle or temple, symbolizing His presence with Israel. This phrase points to the desire for God's presence to be established among His people, bringing peace and blessing. In the New Testament, this is fulfilled in Christ, who is Immanuel, "God with us," and through the Holy Spirit dwelling in believers. <a href="/revelation/21-3.htm">Revelation 21:3</a> speaks of the ultimate fulfillment of this promise, where God will dwell with His people in the new heaven and new earth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Yahweh)</a> The central figure in this verse, depicted as a triumphant king who ascends on high, leading captives and receiving gifts. 2. <a href="/topical/c/captives.htm">Captives</a> Those who were once in bondage, now led away by God, symbolizing victory and liberation. 3. <a href="/topical/m/men.htm">Men (Humanity)</a> Those who give gifts to God, including the rebellious, indicating God's sovereignty over all. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_rebellious.htm">The Rebellious</a> Represents those who were once opposed to God but are now subject to His rule. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord's_dwelling.htm">The LORD's Dwelling</a> The ultimate purpose of these actions is that the LORD God may dwell among His people, signifying His presence and reign.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/christ's_victory_and_ascension.htm">Christ's Victory and Ascension</a> Just as God ascended and led captives, Christ's ascension signifies His victory over sin and death, offering freedom to believers. <a href="/topical/g/gifts_for_service.htm">Gifts for Service</a> The gifts received by God, even from the rebellious, highlight the transformation and service expected of believers, who are called to use their gifts for God's glory. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_all.htm">God's Sovereignty Over All</a> The inclusion of the rebellious in giving gifts underscores God's authority over all creation, inviting everyone to submit to His rule. <a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_god's_actions.htm">The Purpose of God's Actions</a> God's ultimate aim is to dwell among His people, emphasizing the importance of His presence in our lives and communities. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_light_of_god's_presence.htm">Living in Light of God's Presence</a> As God dwells among us, we are called to live in holiness and obedience, reflecting His character to the world.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_68.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 68</a> <a href="/q/is_there_only_one_shepherd.htm">What does 'Led Captivity Captive' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'led_captivity_captive'_mean.htm">What does "Led Captivity Captive" mean?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_go_to_hell_post-crucifixion.htm">Did Jesus descend to hell after his crucifixion?</a> <a href="/q/does_christ's_ascent_descent_defy_science.htm">Ephesians 4:8-10: Does the idea of Christ 'ascending' and 'descending' conflict with modern scientific understanding of physical reality?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/68.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) Thou hast ascended on high.--Or, to the height, i.e., Mount Zion, as in Psalms 24 (Comp. <a href="/jeremiah/31-12.htm" title="Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.">Jeremiah 31:12</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/20-40.htm" title="For in my holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, said the Lord GOD, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the first fruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.">Ezekiel 20:40</a>.)Captivity captive.--Or, captives into captivity. (See <a href="/judges/5-12.htm" title="Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead your captivity captive, you son of Abinoam.">Judges 5:12</a>, Note.)For men.--This rendering is inadmissible. Literally, in man, which is equivalent to our of men. Gifts of men are therefore captives or hostages, viz., the rebellious in the next clause, i.e., the heathen, whom the poet describes as subjected to Jehovah, and their land made His dweiling-place. (For St. Paul's citation of this verse, or its original, see Note, <a href="/ephesians/4-8.htm" title="Why he said, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.">Ephesians 4:8</a>, New Testament Commentary.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/68.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 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 <a href="/2_samuel/6-12.htm">2 Samuel 6:12-19</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/15-11.htm">1 Chronicles 15:11-28</a>). 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 (see <a href="/2_samuel/8-2.htm">2 Samuel 8:2</a>; comp. <a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">1 Kings 4:21</a>). Yea, for the rebellious also; literally, yea, rebels also; i.e. enemies, that when reduced have rebelled, and then submitted to pay tribute a second time. That the Lord God (Jah Elohim) might dwell among them; "That God, after the nations had been subdued and submitted themselves, might rest quietly thenceforth in Zion." <a href="/commentaries/psalms/68-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>You have ascended עָ֘לִ֤יתָ (‘ā·lî·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively on high; לַמָּר֨וֹם ׀ (lam·mā·rō·wm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4791.htm">Strong's 4791: </a> Altitude You have led captives away. שֶּׁ֗בִי (še·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7628.htm">Strong's 7628: </a> Exiled, captured, exile, booty You have received לָקַ֣חְתָּ (lā·qaḥ·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take gifts מַ֭תָּנוֹת (mat·tā·nō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4979.htm">Strong's 4979: </a> A present, a sacrificial offering, a bribe from men, בָּאָדָ֑ם (bā·’ā·ḏām) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being even וְאַ֥ף (wə·’ap̄) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_637.htm">Strong's 637: </a> Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though [from] the rebellious, ס֝וֹרְרִ֗ים (sō·wr·rîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5637.htm">Strong's 5637: </a> To turn away, be refractory that the LORD יָ֬הּ (yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3050.htm">Strong's 3050: </a> LORD -- the name of the God of Israel God אֱלֹהִֽים׃ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative may dwell [there]. לִשְׁכֹּ֤ן ׀ (liš·kōn) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7931.htm">Strong's 7931: </a> To settle down, abide, dwell <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/psalms/68-18.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 68:18 You have ascended on high (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/68-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 68:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 68:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/68-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 68:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 68:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>