Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.

Sceptre

(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.