Psalm 68:18
Excerpted from: Jesus Christ's Ascension

Where it says, “You have received gifts among men,” the Hebrew word translated “received,” is multi-faceted. It generally means “to take,” but in some cases, it means, “to receive something for another person.” In other words, it implies receiving for the purpose of then giving. In this case, it means “You received gifts for men” rather than “among men.”

The imagery here is of a conquering king. In ancient times, defeated kings and generals would be tied behind the chariot of the victor and forced to walk in a procession. In this way, being led indicated being defeated.

Here, Christ is the One leading the captives, and the one defeated is captivity itself. Think of Christ’s mission statement about proclaiming liberty to the captives and setting at liberty those who were oppressed. It is talking about spiritual bondage—captivity to Satan and to sin. And when He ascended, Jesus led captivity itself away captive. It was defeated.

In those ancient victory processions, the victor would often throw money into the crowds. That is, he received gifts through his victory, but he also then distributed those gifts.

The end of verse 18 gives the reason for leading captivity captive and giving gifts: It is so the LORD God might dwell there. Christ did this so that He and the Father would have a dwelling place. He liberates from Satan and from sin so He can dwell in the former captives. This is what Christ talked about during the Passover before His crucifixion. He said, “We [meaning, the Father and the Son] will come to him and make Our home with him,” referring to the one who loves the King and keeps His word (John 14:23). He had to ascend victorious—which He did—and show the foes conquered, which we will also see, and then He would give gifts so He and Father would have a place to dwell.

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