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].
Ver. 18. Thou hast ascended on high] As a conqueror doth on his triumphal chariot; the Romans ascended up to the Capitol, leading their captives bound behind them, and giving gifts unto the people (Plut. in Æmyl.). They might have this custom from David, and these words might be the people's acclamation to David, or, as some think, both the kings and people's acclamation to the ark, that notable type of Christ, to whom St Paul applieth it, Ephesians 4:8,9, and teacheth us to understand it of his wonderful ascension.
Thou hast led captivity captive] i.e. Thou hast captivated those that once held us in captivity; for so God's justice required, Isaiah 33:1, so he had forepromised, Isa 24:22 Revelation 13:10, and so Christ hath fulfilled, Colossians 2:15, saving his people to the uttermost, from sin, death, hell, and the devil, who had taken them alive captive at his pleasure, 2 Timothy 2:26 .
Thou hast received gifts for men] Heb, in man; some render it in Adam, Qualia erant in Adamo, tails dat Christus, saith Eugubinus, Christ gave such gifts to his people (for if he received with one hand, he gave with the other, and the fruits of his victories are all for his subjects) as were in Adam, Sed Beth servilis non praeponitur proprio nomini. True it is, that he repaireth God's once lost image in them, but the gifts here meant are mentioned by the apostle, Ephesians 4:11, viz. apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, &c. Lo, these were those gifts that Christ bestowed upon his Church at the day of his coronation, and solemn inauguration into his throne, at the time of his trimnphant ascension. These he received that he might give; and he held it more blessed to give than to receive. A like expression we have Hosea 14:2. "Receive us graciously," Heb. Take good, sc. to bestow it upon us, as Acts 2:23 .
Yea, for the rebellious also] Rebellion at first, till thou hast given them a better heart. See Romans 4:5; Romans 5:6, or, if they continue so, yet they may share in common gifts and external privileges.
That the Lord God might dwell among them] viz. In his religion and true worshippers, for which end he giveth restraining grace to the very rebellions.