John Trapp on Psalms 68:18

Verſ. 18. Thou haſt aſcended on high] As a Conquerour doth on his triumphal Chariot; the Romans aſcended up to the Capitol,Plut. in Aemyl. leading their Captives bound behind them, and giving gifts unto the people. They might have this cuſtom from David, and theſe words might be the peoples acclamation to: David, or as ſome think, both the Kings and peoples acclamation to the Ark, that notable Type of Chriſt, to whom St. Paul applieth it, Epheſ. 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 Gods juſtice required, Iſa. 33.1. ſo he had fore-promiſed, Iſa. 24. Rev. 13.10. and ſo Chriſt hath fulfilled, Coloſſ. 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 Tim. 2.26.

Thou haſt received gifts for men] Heb. In man; ſome render it in Adam, Qualia erant in Adams, talia dat Chriſtus, ſaith Eugubinus, Chriſt gave ſuch gifts to his people (for if he received with one hand, he gave with the other,Sed Beth ſervilis non praeponitur proprio nomini. and the fruits of his Victories are all for his Subjects) as were in Adam. True it is, that hee repaireth Gods once-loſt Image in them, but the gifts here meant are mentioned by the Apoſtle, Epheſ. 4 11. viz. Apoſtles, Prophets, Evangeliſts, Paſtors, Teachers, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Miniſtery, for the edyfying 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 triumphant Aſcenſion. Theſe he received that he might give: and he held it more bleſſed to give than to receive. A like expreſſion wee have, Hoſ. 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 Rom. 4.5. & 5.6. or, if they continue ſo, yet they may ſhare in common gifts, and external priviledges.

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 rebellious.