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Sceptre
Open directlyEaston's Bible Dictionary · 1897
(Heb. shebet = Gr. skeptron), properly a staff or rod. As a symbol of authority, the use of the sceptre originated in the idea that the ruler was as a shepherd of his people (Gen. 49:10; Num. 24:17; Ps. 45:6; Isa. 14:5). There is no example on record of a sceptre having ever been actually handled by a Jewish king.
Scripture references
Smith's Bible Dictionary · 1863
This word originally meant a rod or staff . It was thence specifically applied to the shepherd’s crook, (Leviticus 27:32; Micah 7:14) and to the wand or sceptre of a ruler. The allusions to it are all of a metaphorical character, and describe it simply as one of the insignia of supreme power. (Genesis 49:10) We are consequently unable to describe the article from any biblical notice we may infer that it was probably made of wood. The sceptre of the Persian monarch is described as “golden” i.e. probably of massive gold. (Esther 4:11)
Scripture references
Hastings Dictionary of the Bible · 1898
SCEP'TRE, a wooden staff or wand, 5 or 6 feet long, usually overlaid with gold or decorated with golden rings, with an ornamented point. It was borne in the hands of kings and others in authority as a token of power. Gen 49:10; Num 24:17. When the sceptre was held out to be touched by an individual approaching the throne, it was a sign of the royal acceptance and favor. There is no biblical instance of a "sceptre being actually handled by a Jewish king. The term is used metaphorically. The use of a staff as a symbol of authority was not confined to kings; it might be used by any leader." - Smith.
Scripture references
Schaff's Dictionary of the Bible · 1880
SCEP'TRE, a wooden staff or wand, 5 or 6 feet long, usually overlaid with gold or decorated with golden rings, with an ornamented point. It was borne in the hands of kings and others in authority as a token of power. Gen 49:10; Num 24:17. When the sceptre was held out to be touched by an individual approaching the throne, it was a sign of the royal acceptance and favor. There is no biblical instance of a "sceptre being actually handled by a Jewish king. The term is used metaphorically. The use of a staff as a symbol of authority was not confined to kings; it might be used by any leader." - Smith.