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 hast led captivity captive - “Thou hast made captivity captive,” or “Thou hast captured a captivity.” The main idea is, that he had achieved a complete victory; he had led all his foes captive. The language “would” also express the idea that he had made captives for himself of those who were captives to others, or who were in subjection to another. As applied in the Christian sense, this would refer to those who were captives to Satan, and who were held in bondage by him, but who had been rescued by the Redeemer, and brought under another captivity - the yielding of voluntary service to himself. Those once captives to sin were now led by him, captives in a higher sense. See the notes at Ephesians 4:8.
Thou hast received gifts for men - Margin, “in the man.” That is, “Among men,” or while among them as a conqueror. The idea here most naturally conveyed would be, that he had obtained “gifts,” privileges, advantages, “in” man; that is, that men, considered as captives, constituted the victory which he had achieved - the advantage which he had acquired. It was not so much “for” them as “in” them, and “by” them, to wit, by possessing them as captives or subjects to him. With this victory achieved, he had now ascended on high.
Yea, for the rebellious also - Or, more properly, “even the rebellious.” That is, Those who had been in a state of rebellion he had subdued to himself, and had thus led captivity captive. It was a triumph by which they had become subdued to him.
That the Lord God might dwell among them - literally, “For the dwelling of Jah, God.” The idea is, that he had achieved such a triumph; he had so brought the rebellious under subjection to himself, that he could take up his abode with them, or dwell with them as his people. His rule could be extended over them, and they would acknowledge him as their sovereign. This would be applicable to a people in ancient times that had been subdued by the people of God. It might now be properly applied, also, to sinners who by the power of truth have been so subdued as to submit to God. It is applicable to all who have been conquered by the Gospel - whose enmity has been slain - who have been changed from enemies to friends - so that the Lord may dwell in their hearts, or rule over them. This passage is applied by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:8 to the Messiah, not as having original reference to him, but as suggesting language which would appropriately express the nature of his work, and the glory of his triumph. See the notes at that place.