Scepter(sceptre)
/SEP-ter/
Summary
A staff of authority carried by kings and rulers, symbolizing sovereign power and the right to rule.
☩Description
The Hebrew 'shebet' denotes a staff of wood about man's height, borne as an insignia of honor by kings and chiefs. It originated from the shepherd's staff, since early kings were often nomad princes. A golden scepter (gold-plated) is mentioned in Esther. Inclining the scepter signified royal favor; kissing it was a token of submission.
Key verses:Esther 4:11Esther 5:2Esther 8:4Ezekiel 19:11
☩Symbolic and Prophetic
The scepter symbolized authority and power. 'The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come'—the prophecy of Messiah's royalty from Judah's tribe. Christ rules with a 'rod of iron' (iron scepter) over the nations, and His is a 'scepter of righteousness.'
Key verses:Genesis 49:10Numbers 24:17Psalm 2:9Hebrews 1:8Revelation 2:27Revelation 12:5
Related Verses16 mentions
References
- 1.John Kitto, "Scepter," in A Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, vol. II (Mark H. Newman, 1845).
- 2.John Kitto, "Scepter," in A Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, vol. II (Mark H. Newman, 1845).
- 3.John Kitto, "Scepter," in A Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, vol. II (Mark H. Newman, 1845).
- 4.John Kitto, "Scepter," in A Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, vol. II (Mark H. Newman, 1845).
- 5.John Kitto, "Scepter," in A Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, vol. II (Mark H. Newman, 1845).