Bible Dictionaries
Scepter

Holman Bible Dictionary

(sscehp' tuhr) The official staff or baton of a king, symbolic of his authority. It probably was descended from the ancient club carried by the prehistoric rulers. Ancient Middle Eastern scepters were depicted in Scripture as the striking power of the king (Numbers 24:17 ). As part of the royal regalia, the scepter was extended to a visitor or dignitary (Esther 5:2 ) to signal approval of the visit and allow the person to approach the throne. Scepters were decorated elaborately with gold and precious stones. The shapes varied from wide short maces to long slender poles, usually with ornate heads. The type of scepter usually differed from one kingdom to the next.