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Psalms 68:18
Verse
Context
God’s Enemies Are Scattered
17The chariots of God are tens of thousands— thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai. 18You 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. 19Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God of our salvation. Selah
Sermons
Carter Conlon
T. Austin-SparksT. Austin-Sparks
David Guzik
Peter Hammond
Chuck SmithSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
From the scene of conquest He ascends to His throne, leading-- captivity captive--or, "many captives captive" (Jdg 5:12). received gifts for men--accepting their homage, even when forced, as that of rebels. that the Lord God might dwell--or literally, "to dwell, O Lord God" (compare Psa 68:16) --that is, to make this hill, His people or Church, His dwelling. This Psalm typifies the conquests of the Church under her divine leader, Christ. He, indeed, "who was with the Church in the wilderness" (Act 7:38) is the Lord, described in this ideal ascension. Hence Paul (Eph 4:8) applies this language to describe His real ascension, when, having conquered sin, death, and hell, the Lord of glory triumphantly entered heaven, attended by throngs of adoring angels, to sit on the throne and wield the scepter of an eternal dominion. The phrase "received gifts for (or literally, among) men" is by Paul, "gave gifts to men." Both describe the acts of a conqueror, who receives and distributes spoils. The Psalmist uses "receiving" as evincing the success, Paul "gave" as the act, of the conqueror, who, having subdued his enemies, proceeds to reward his friends. The special application of the passage by Paul was in proof of Christ's exaltation. What the Old Testament represents of His descending and ascending corresponds with His history. He who descended is the same who has ascended. As then ascension was an element of His triumph, so is it now; and He, who, in His humiliation, must be recognized as our vicarious sacrifice and the High Priest of our profession, must also be adored as Head of His Church and author of all her spiritual benefits.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 Eph 4:8; which ascension respects him as man, was not figurative, as in Gen 17:22; but real and local, from earth to heaven, and was certain and visible; he was seen to go up by angels and men; and, because of the certainty of it, it is here expressed in the past tense, though it was then future; thou hast led captivity captive; meaning either such who had been captives, in which sense the word is used, Psa 126:1; and so may design either those who had been prisoners in the grave, but were set free at Christ's resurrection, and went with him in triumph to heaven; or all his people, whom he redeemed by his blood from that captivity and bondage they were in by nature; or rather those who led them captive are here meant by "captivity"; such as sin, Satan, the world, death, and every spiritual enemy, whom Christ conquered and triumphed over; the allusion may be to public triumphs, when captives were led in chains, even kings and great men, that had captivated others: the words seem to be borrowed out of Jdg 5:12; thou hast received gifts for men; the gifts of the Holy Spirit, qualifying men for the ministry of the Gospel, as they are interpreted by the Apostle, Eph 4:11; these Christ received from his divine Father in human nature, when he ascended up to heaven, in order to give them to men; and which he did in a very extraordinary manner on the day of Pentecost. The Targum and Syriac version render it, "thou hast given gifts to men"; and the Arabic version, "and he gave gifts to men", as the apostle, Eph 4:8; yea, for the rebellious also; disobedient and unbelieving (m), as all men are by nature, even God's elect, before conversion, Tit 3:3; who are not only called by grace, and have the blessings of grace bestowed upon them; but some of them have gifts given them, whereby they are fitted to preach the Gospel to others, as Saul, the blasphemer, persecutor, and injurious; and some of those among the Jews, that were concerned in the crucifixion of Christ: though some think the Gentiles are intended, on whom the Holy Spirit was poured forth after our Lord's ascension; and so the Targum interprets it of the rebellious, who become proselytes, and return by repentance; that the Lord God might dwell among them; that is, that they, by the gifts and graces of the Spirit bestowed on them, might become a fit habitation for God; or that "they", the rebellious, being now partakers of the grace of God and his gifts, "might dwell with the Lord God" (n) in his churches; enjoy his divine presence, and have communion with him in his word and ordinances. (m) Sept. "non credentes", V. L. (n) "ut habitent cum Jah, Jehovah", Piscator; "cum Deo", Gejerus; "ut habitent pulchritudinem Dei", Cocceius.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
68:18 When you ascended to the heights: The Most High established his reign victoriously in Zion. • a crowd of captives . . . gifts: This is an image of a victorious ruler leading the victory march after battle. Paul applied this image to Jesus Christ (Eph 4:8-13).
Psalms 68:18
God’s Enemies Are Scattered
17The chariots of God are tens of thousands— thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai. 18You 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. 19Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God of our salvation. Selah
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Things Which Must Be Hereafter
By Carter Conlon1.9K56:21UnsavedPSA 68:18MAT 6:33EPH 1:13PHP 4:7REV 4:1REV 19:11REV 22:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a living testimony for God in our generation. He encourages believers to go where there is difficulty and opposition, boldly proclaiming the testimony of Jesus Christ. The speaker also expresses a belief in a future revival in the nation of Burundi, envisioning it as a role model of God's glory in Africa. He warns against being blinded by scriptural knowledge without a true relationship with Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with a plea for supernatural love and a testimony of God's grace and glory in the last hour of time.
The Horizon of Christ - Part 8
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K49:33ChristPSA 22:1PSA 23:1PSA 68:18EPH 4:8COL 1:13REV 5:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of Christ being the horizon of God's interests and activities. They explain that God designated his Son, Jesus Christ, to be the focal point of all his plans and purposes. The speaker emphasizes that through Jesus, believers are redeemed from the authority of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God. They also highlight the significance of Jesus' ascension, stating that it is just as important as his birth, death, and resurrection.
That He Might Fill All Things - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K48:21PSA 68:18MAT 6:33ACT 8:172CO 3:18EPH 4:7In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the scripture from Ephesians 4:7-16. He emphasizes the importance of understanding our calling and the distribution of gifts given by Christ. The speaker mentions how in the early days of the New Testament, the apostles would lay hands on believers to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He challenges the listeners to examine if their ministry is resulting in an increase of Christ in their lives. The speaker encourages the audience to be a ministry church, actively supplying and ministering to other parts of the body of Christ.
(1 Samuel) Winning Back More Than You Lost
By David Guzik1.1K40:341SA 30:161SA 30:212SA 7:12PSA 68:18MAT 5:16MAT 5:47EPH 4:7In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a story from the Bible about David and his 400 men. Despite being on a mission from God to pursue the Amalekites, David and his men come across an Egyptian man in the desert who is weak and hungry. Instead of ignoring him, David shows unexpected kindness and helps the man by giving him food and water. This act of kindness is praised by the speaker as an example of going above and beyond what is expected and being blessed by God for it.
Revival Amidst (Islamic & Communistic) Persecution
By Peter Hammond1.0K58:07PersecutionPSA 16:10PSA 68:18ISA 7:14MAT 6:33In this video, Peter Hammond from Frontline Fellowship in Cape Town, South Africa, discusses their work in Sudan. They focus on three main areas: Love and Action, which includes medical assistance, literature distribution, and providing Bibles in multiple languages to different regions, even in enemy territory. They also emphasize leadership training, having trained hundreds of pastors and conducted Muslim evangelism workshops. The video highlights the testimonies of Sudanese Christians who have endured persecution and suffering but remain joyful and steadfast in their faith. The ultimate goal is to see Sudan become a strong Christian nation once again, with the church growing rapidly and the potential for even northern Sudan to be won to Christ.
The Riches of Christ in His Saints: Ministry With the Lord
By Stephen Kaung9181:15:26PSA 68:18MAT 6:33EPH 3:7EPH 4:7EPH 4:11In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a centipede with a hundred feet to illustrate the danger of overthinking and self-focus. He emphasizes the importance of fixing our eyes on Christ and being joined to Him as members of His body. The speaker then discusses the grace given to him to proclaim the good news of Christ's riches among the nations. He contrasts the old covenant ministry with the new covenant ministry, highlighting the call to be ministers of righteousness and life.
God's Goodness to Israel Part 1
By Chuck Smith56825:04IsraelPSA 68:18PSA 68:20ISA 61:1EPH 4:8In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith takes us through various passages of the Bible, focusing on God's goodness to Israel. He starts by discussing the importance of truly apprehending and seeing God, rather than just hearing about Him. Pastor Chuck emphasizes that God is with us and will sustain us as His children. He then shares a personal story of witnessing tribal dances and offerings to a king, drawing parallels to the future gathering of kings in Jerusalem when Jesus reigns over the earth. Finally, he delves into Luke chapter 16, explaining the story of the rich man and the poor man, highlighting the division of Hades and the consequences of our actions in this life.
Knowing and Serving the Lord in a Day of Crisis
By Tom Macartney01SA 2:30PSA 68:18JER 25:11DAN 2:44MAT 6:33ACT 17:6EPH 4:8EPH 6:10Tom Macartney preaches on the life of Daniel, who lived through a time of crisis during the exile in Babylon. Daniel's foundations were his personal knowledge of God and his unswerving loyalty to Him, even in the face of temptation and risk. His life was marked by experiencing the Lord's faithfulness, having courage of faith, commitment to fellowship, and a deep understanding of God's character and sovereignty. Daniel's spiritual stamina, wisdom, prayer life, and service exemplify a life lived in close fellowship with the Lord, standing firm in the midst of trials and challenges.
Of the Ascension of Christ to Heaven.
By John Gill0Prophecy and FulfillmentAscension of ChristPSA 47:5PSA 68:18LUK 24:50JHN 6:62JHN 14:2ACT 1:9ACT 2:33ACT 7:55EPH 4:8HEB 9:12John Gill preaches on the ascension of Christ to heaven, emphasizing its prophetic significance and fulfillment as foretold in the Scriptures. He explains how Christ's ascension was pre-signified by various prophecies and types, including the Psalms and the experiences of figures like Enoch and Elijah. Gill highlights the evidence of the ascension, the time and place of this event, and its implications for believers, including the assurance of their own future ascension. He concludes by affirming that Christ's ascension opens the way for believers to enter heaven and encourages them to set their minds on heavenly things.
The Saviour
By Thomas Bradbury0PSA 68:18PSA 91:11ISA 61:1MAT 1:21MAT 4:1JHN 14:30ACT 10:38ROM 5:19HEB 4:15Thomas Bradbury preaches about the profound connection between Jesus and His people, emphasizing the shared experiences of suffering and temptation. He delves into the mystery of Christ's identity as both fully God and fully man, highlighting His willingness to bear the sins and infirmities of His people. Bradbury marvels at the humility of Jesus, who condescended to become human and face conflict with Satan, showcasing His sensitivity to sin and His ultimate victory over temptation. The sermon explores the deep union between Christ and believers, portraying Jesus as the Savior appointed by the Father, revealed by the Spirit, and embraced by the redeemed.
The Lord's Attitude to His Children in Adversity (Isaiah 63:9)
By T. Austin-Sparks0God's Love in AdversitySpiritual GrowthPSA 68:18PSA 103:14PSA 106:1ISA 63:9ROM 8:31T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that in times of adversity, God is not our adversary but rather shares in our afflictions, as expressed in Isaiah 63:9. He explains that adversity is a common experience for God's people and does not indicate wrongdoing; instead, it serves a purpose of spiritual growth and reliance on God. The sermon highlights that while we may feel straitened and limited, these experiences are meant for our enrichment and are not a sign of God's disfavor. Even in rebellion, God's love remains, and He seeks to restore us, reminding us that His mercy endures forever. Ultimately, the message is one of encouragement, affirming that God is for us even in our struggles.
Our Lord's Triumphant Ascension
By C.H. Spurgeon0Victory in ChristGrace for the RebelliousPSA 68:18JHN 14:16EPH 4:8COL 2:15C.H. Spurgeon preaches on 'Our Lord's Triumphant Ascension,' emphasizing that Christ's ascension signifies His victory over sin, death, and hell, and the completion of His redemptive work. He illustrates how Jesus, after descending to the depths of human suffering, rose to the highest heavens, leading captivity captive and bestowing gifts upon humanity, including the Holy Spirit. Spurgeon highlights that even the rebellious are recipients of these gifts, showcasing God's grace and mercy. The sermon concludes with the promise that Christ's ascension secures His presence among believers and anticipates His glorious return to dwell with His people forever.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
From the scene of conquest He ascends to His throne, leading-- captivity captive--or, "many captives captive" (Jdg 5:12). received gifts for men--accepting their homage, even when forced, as that of rebels. that the Lord God might dwell--or literally, "to dwell, O Lord God" (compare Psa 68:16) --that is, to make this hill, His people or Church, His dwelling. This Psalm typifies the conquests of the Church under her divine leader, Christ. He, indeed, "who was with the Church in the wilderness" (Act 7:38) is the Lord, described in this ideal ascension. Hence Paul (Eph 4:8) applies this language to describe His real ascension, when, having conquered sin, death, and hell, the Lord of glory triumphantly entered heaven, attended by throngs of adoring angels, to sit on the throne and wield the scepter of an eternal dominion. The phrase "received gifts for (or literally, among) men" is by Paul, "gave gifts to men." Both describe the acts of a conqueror, who receives and distributes spoils. The Psalmist uses "receiving" as evincing the success, Paul "gave" as the act, of the conqueror, who, having subdued his enemies, proceeds to reward his friends. The special application of the passage by Paul was in proof of Christ's exaltation. What the Old Testament represents of His descending and ascending corresponds with His history. He who descended is the same who has ascended. As then ascension was an element of His triumph, so is it now; and He, who, in His humiliation, must be recognized as our vicarious sacrifice and the High Priest of our profession, must also be adored as Head of His Church and author of all her spiritual benefits.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 Eph 4:8; which ascension respects him as man, was not figurative, as in Gen 17:22; but real and local, from earth to heaven, and was certain and visible; he was seen to go up by angels and men; and, because of the certainty of it, it is here expressed in the past tense, though it was then future; thou hast led captivity captive; meaning either such who had been captives, in which sense the word is used, Psa 126:1; and so may design either those who had been prisoners in the grave, but were set free at Christ's resurrection, and went with him in triumph to heaven; or all his people, whom he redeemed by his blood from that captivity and bondage they were in by nature; or rather those who led them captive are here meant by "captivity"; such as sin, Satan, the world, death, and every spiritual enemy, whom Christ conquered and triumphed over; the allusion may be to public triumphs, when captives were led in chains, even kings and great men, that had captivated others: the words seem to be borrowed out of Jdg 5:12; thou hast received gifts for men; the gifts of the Holy Spirit, qualifying men for the ministry of the Gospel, as they are interpreted by the Apostle, Eph 4:11; these Christ received from his divine Father in human nature, when he ascended up to heaven, in order to give them to men; and which he did in a very extraordinary manner on the day of Pentecost. The Targum and Syriac version render it, "thou hast given gifts to men"; and the Arabic version, "and he gave gifts to men", as the apostle, Eph 4:8; yea, for the rebellious also; disobedient and unbelieving (m), as all men are by nature, even God's elect, before conversion, Tit 3:3; who are not only called by grace, and have the blessings of grace bestowed upon them; but some of them have gifts given them, whereby they are fitted to preach the Gospel to others, as Saul, the blasphemer, persecutor, and injurious; and some of those among the Jews, that were concerned in the crucifixion of Christ: though some think the Gentiles are intended, on whom the Holy Spirit was poured forth after our Lord's ascension; and so the Targum interprets it of the rebellious, who become proselytes, and return by repentance; that the Lord God might dwell among them; that is, that they, by the gifts and graces of the Spirit bestowed on them, might become a fit habitation for God; or that "they", the rebellious, being now partakers of the grace of God and his gifts, "might dwell with the Lord God" (n) in his churches; enjoy his divine presence, and have communion with him in his word and ordinances. (m) Sept. "non credentes", V. L. (n) "ut habitent cum Jah, Jehovah", Piscator; "cum Deo", Gejerus; "ut habitent pulchritudinem Dei", Cocceius.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
68:18 When you ascended to the heights: The Most High established his reign victoriously in Zion. • a crowd of captives . . . gifts: This is an image of a victorious ruler leading the victory march after battle. Paul applied this image to Jesus Christ (Eph 4:8-13).