a word derived from the Greek, properly signifies, a rod of command, a staff of authority, which is supposed to be in the hands of kings, governors of a province, or of the chief of a people, Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17; Isaiah 14:5 . The sceptre is put for the rod of correction, and for the sovereign authority that punishes and humbles, Psalms 2:9; Proverbs 22:15 . The term sceptre is frequently used for a tribe, probably because the prince of each tribe carried a sceptre, or a wand of command, to show his dignity.