One of the distinguishing insignia of royalty: a rod or staff of dignity. It was held out by the king to Esther (Esther 4:11). The prophecy that “the scepter shall not depart from Judah.... until SHILOH come,” refers to Christ as “the Prince of Peace” (Gen. 49:10). The scepter is not now wielded by Judah while the people are Lo-ammi, but their supremacy will be renewed when the purpose of God is fulfilled. Many passages speak of Christ sitting upon the throne of David, and reigning till His enemies are cast beneath His feet. A scepter of righteousness will be the scepter of His kingdom (Num. 24:17; Psa. 45:6; Isa. 14:5; Ezek. 19:11,14; Amos 1:5,8; Zech. 10:11; Heb. 1:8).