The Typological Expectation of Psalm 68 and its Application in Ephesians 4:8

Abstract

Paul’s use of Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8 has historically been a crux interpretum for New Testament hermeneutics and Pauline scholars alike, for Paul appears to misapply the features of the psalm to Christ. In light of recent scholarship, this paper argues that Paul’s apparent misapplication of the psalm is resolved by a proper recognition of the psalm’s typological framework. Paul applied Psalm 68:18 to Christ in light of the psalm’s typological expectation and its redemptive–historical fulfilment in Christ. The psalm’s typological indicators are evident in view of its retrospective and prospective orientation and the probable allusions to Exodus 15 and Judges 5. YHWH’s ascension, captives, and gifts in Psalm 68:18 correspond to and anticipate a greater ascension, captives, and gifts. The eschatological interpretation of the psalm explains its use in Ephesians 4:7-16, for it sheds light on the unusual appearance of διό introducing the citation, the textual modifications Paul introduced to the citation, Paul’s choice of Psalm 68:18 in particular, and Paul’s emphasis on ministers of the word in Ephesians 4:11-16. This analysis absolves Paul from the charge of hermeneutical insensitivity and aptly illustrates his hermeneutical approach to the Old Testament Scriptures.