Scepter
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
—a staff, commonly five or six feet long in ancient representations, sometimes covered with gold, encircled with ornamental bands, and finished with a decorated tip. It served as a sign of royal authority. Jacob’s prophecy, “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah” (Gen. 49:10), promises the continuance of rule in Judah until the coming of Shiloh. The emblem probably arose from the shepherd’s staff; Saul’s spear likewise appears beside him as a mark of kingship. The ruler might extend the scepter as a sign of favor, as Ahasuerus did to Esther, while in other ancient literature the staff could also punish. Scripture speaks of the Messiah’s “sceptre of righteousness” (Ps. 45:6) and His “rod of iron” against rebellious nations (Ps. 2:9).