Psalm 68:18 says, “When you ascended on high, you led captives in your train; you received gifts from men, even from the rebellious—that you, O Lord God, might dwell there.” The phrase “captives in your train” has been interpreted in different ways throughout church history.
Here are some of the main views on what it means:
1. Captives refer to conquered enemies
Some believe “captives” refers to enemies that God conquered. The train would be the victorious procession of God leading his defeated foes up to his throne on high. This view sees it as primarily depicting Christ’s victory over spiritual powers of evil.
Those holding this view point to other verses that speak of triumphing over demonic forces:
- Colossians 2:15 – “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”
- 1 Peter 3:22 – “Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.”
In ancient near east culture, victorious kings would lead their defeated enemies in procession and put them on display to celebrate the conquest. So this view sees Psalm 68 reflecting this idea of exalting Christ’s victory over evil spirit beings.
2. Captives refer to the Old Testament saints
Others believe “captives” speaks about liberating Old Testament saints from being confined to a section of the underworld called Abraham’s bosom or Paradise. This view looks at Ephesians 4:8-10 and sees Paul quoting Psalm 68 and applying it to Christ descending into the lower parts to lead these captives out.
Those holding this perspective point to these verses:
- Luke 16:22 – The beggar Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham’s side after death.
- 1 Peter 3:19 – Christ “went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison.”
So before Christ’s resurrection, OT saints who died in faith were kept in a place below. When Jesus was resurrected, he went and released them from captivity to bring them into heaven.
3. Captives refer to people in bondage to sin
Another interpretation sees “captives” as referring to those held in spiritual bondage and slavery to sin. Christ leads these captives out of their imprisonment through salvation. This view focuses more on the language of being freed from captivity.
Verses about Christ setting people free from sin and death support this:
- Luke 4:18 – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives.”
- Romans 6:17-18 – “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves of righteousness.”
On this perspective, Psalm 68 is celebrating Christ’s work of securing freedom for those under sin’s control and condemnation. The train of captives follows Christ as the liberator.
4. Captives refer to both ideas: conquered evil spirits and freed people
A fourth view sees Psalm 68:18 referring to both spiritual enemies and people in bondage to sin. This understanding argues that Paul combines these ideas in Ephesians 4 when quoting the verse.
Ephesians 4:8-10 says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men. In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.”
In this view, the captives are both demonic forces and people in sin whom Christ came to set free through his redemptive work. This dual imagery underscores Christ’s total work of salvation and victory.
5. Captives refer to Adam and Eve or all humanity
Some see the captives as representing humanity under the bondage of sin, and specifically Adam and Eve who were held captive. When Jesus ascended, he took Adam and Eve and all who were enslaved to sin up from captivity with him into heaven.
This view highlights these points:
- Jesus is called “the last Adam” (1 Cor. 15:45), seen as undoing the first Adam’s mistake.
- Hebrews 2:14-15 says Jesus came to “free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death.”
So this perspective understands Psalm 68:18 as portraying Christ liberating Adam, Eve, and all humans from slavery to sin and death by his redemptive work.
6. Captives refer to captives of all nations
Another view is that the captives represent the people of all nations held under the power of sin. Jesus death and resurrection secured salvation for people of every tribe and language, not just Israel.
This interpretation focuses on these points:
- Psalm 68 repeatedly refers to God as helper of the fatherless, widow, and oppressed.
- The psalm speaks of the scattering of kings and bringing Ethiopia and Egypt as worshipers (v.31).
- Paul applies the verse to Christ giving gifts to the church made up of all peoples.
So in this view, “captives” in Psalm 68 points to people from the whole world who Jesus came to set free from sin and bring into his kingdom.
7. Captives refer to prisoners of war
The final view is that the captives are prisoners of war that were taken captive militarily or politically. As a mighty conqueror, God releases prisoners as he ascends victoriously to his throne.
This interpretation focuses on these factors:
- The context before verse 18 refers to military battles and victories.
- Verse 12 says “the Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host.” This may refer to messengers declaring victory.
- The gifts in verse 18 may picture tribute paid to a conquering king.
In this perspective, the train of captives are prisoners of war led home in victory procession as God establishes his rule through mighty military power.
Conclusion
There are good reasons behind each of these perspectives on the meaning of “captives” in Psalm 68:18. As we try to understand this passage, we must grapple with context, culture, OT practices, NT uses, and theological connections.
The view that may carry the most convincing evidence is that “captives” refers comprehensively both to demonic forces conquered by Christ as well as people in bondage to sin whom Christ came to set free. This interpretation fits well with Ephesians 4 where Paul combines the ideas.
But Christians have interpreted it in different ways through history according to how they synthesize it with other Scripture. The richness of the psalm may point to multiple nuances that cannot be limited to just one metaphor. Ultimately, this verse highlights Christ’s comprehensive work of spiritual victory and salvation for people of all nations.
In addition to debating what the captives represent, there is also the question of when this verse is fulfilled – in Jesus’ incarnation, death, resurrection, ascension, second coming or some combination of these. Views differ on where to see this victory procession taking place chronologically. But again the core point remains the glory of Christ leading redeemed captives upward to reign with him.
Though questions persist, Psalm 68:18 clearly speaks to the power of Jesus our Savior to lead people from slavery to sin into new life through his crucifixion and resurrection. By paying the price for sin, he frees us from sin’s control and condemnation. United to him by faith, we join the triumphal train of captives set free by grace to walk in newness of life.
Psalm 68 provides a majestic depiction of God’s mighty acts to save and shepherd his people. The specific image of captives ascending in victory procession powerfully speaks to our liberation from sin’s power through faith in Christ. This Old Testament passage finds fulfillment in the gospel work of our Savior who sets the prisoners free (Luke 4:18).
Though interpretations vary, the core message remains clear – Jesus attained victory and we can join his procession of rescued captives. “Through Christ the Lord, the victory is won” (Moody). Freed by his grace, we now walk in freedom on the highway of holiness (Isaiah 35:8). The cross of Christ has forever changed our status from prisoners into children of God.