Scepter (4464) (rhabdos probably related to rhapis = a rod or stick ) is literally a relatively narrow piece of wood of variable length. Depending on the context, rhabdos can describe a rod (including that with which one is beaten or used as an instrument of punishment - see 1 Cor 4:21 below), a staff (as used by shepherd [cp Lxx use in Mic 7:14] and figuratively speaking of such authority in Re 2:27, 12:5, 19:15 (see notes Rev 2:27, 12:5, 19:15), a stick (including a walking stick - cp Mt 10:10, Mk 6:8, Lk 9:3) or a measuring stick (Re 11:1-note) Clearly in the present context rhabdos is a ruler's staff and as such is the badge of royalty and the emblem of authority as is well illustrated in the book of Esther. When King Ahasuerus desired to show evidence of his authoritative favor to Esther, he held out his scepter to her (Esther 5:2; 8:4). Therefore the scepter is the emblem or badge of royal authority and power. The Messiah's scepter of is not merely one of power, arbitrarily exercised, but praise God is a "righteous" scepter which assures us of it's fair and just use, in contrast to the capriciousness and cruelty often manifest by earthly monarchs. Here are the 12 uses of rhabdos in the NT... Matthew 10:10 or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. Mark 6:8 and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belt; Luke 9:3 And He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. 1 Corinthians 4:21 What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod or with love and a spirit of gentleness? Hebrews 1:8 (note) But of the Son He says, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, And the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom. Hebrews 9:4 (note) having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron's rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant. Hebrews 11:21 (note) By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. Revelation 2:27 (note) and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father; Revelation 11:1 (note) And there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, "Rise and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and those who worship in it. Revelation 12:5 (note) And she (speaking of Messiah's origin from Israel, His Jewish lineage, His Davidic ancestry) gave birth to a son, a male child (Messiah), Who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God (Messiah ascended after His crucifixion and resurrection, cp Acts 1:8-11) and to His throne (where He now sits as our Mediator and Intercessor, cp Hebrews 1:3 -note). Revelation 19:15 (note) And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. There are 93 uses of rhabdos in the non-apocryphal Septuagint (LXX) (Gen. 30:37ff, 41; 32:10; 38:18, 25; 47:31; Exod. 4:2, 4, 17, 20; 7:9f, 12, 15, 17, 19f; 8:5, 16f; 10:13; 14:16; 17:5, 9; 21:19f; Lev. 27:32; Num. 17:2f, 5ff; 20:8f, 11; 22:23, 27; Jdg. 5:14; 6:21; 1 Sam. 17:43; 2 Sam. 7:14; 23:21; 2 Ki. 18:21; 1 Chr. 11:23; Est. 4:11; 5:2; 8:4; Job 9:34; Ps. 2:9; 23:4; 45:6; 74:2; 89:32; 110:2; 125:3; Prov. 10:13; 22:15; 23:13f; 26:3; Isa. 9:4; 10:5, 15, 24; 11:1; 28:27; 36:6; Jer. 48:17; Lam. 3:1; Ezek. 7:5; 19:11f, 14; 20:37; 21:21; 29:6; 37:16f, 19f; 39:9; Hos. 4:12; Mic. 5:1; 7:14; Nah. 1:13; Zech. 8:4; 11:7, 10, 14;) Righteousness will reign when the King of kings reigns... 2Sa 23:3 — "The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me, 'He who rules over men righteously, Who rules in the fear of God, Ps 72:1-4 — Give the king Thy judgments, O God, And Thy righteousness to the king's son. 2 May he judge Thy people with righteousness, And Thine afflicted with justice. 3 Let the mountains bring peace to the people, And the hills in righteousness. 4 May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, Save the children of the needy, And crush the oppressor. Ps 72:7 — In his days may the righteous flourish, And abundance of peace till the moon is no more. Ps 72:11-14 — And let all kings bow down before him, All nations serve him. 12 For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help, The afflicted also, and him who has no helper. 13 He will have compassion on the poor and needy, And the lives of the needy he will save. 14 He will rescue their life from oppression and violence; And their blood will be precious in his sight; Psalm 99:4 And the strength of the King loves justice; Thou hast established (or prepared) equity (mesar = evenness, uprightness; Lxx = euthutes); Thou hast executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. (Spurgeon's note) Jer 23:5 — "Behold, the days are coming," (to be completely fulfilled in the Millennium) declares the LORD, "When I shall raise up for David (Messiah comes from the lineage of David) a righteous Branch (the Messiah Himself); and He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land. "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/hebrews_18-14.htm#scepter