“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth.”

The “scepter,” as shared in the Bible, is a symbol of divine authority and power. It is associated with government rule and kingship and is likened to the utmost of authority with legitimate rule of justice and righteousness.

In the Old Testament the scepter represents the prophetic coming of the Messiah, whereas in the New Testament the scepter symbolizes the fulfillment of the Messiah in Jesus Christ, the scepter that will arise from Israel. It speaks to a future ruler, in our passage, also referencing a star from Jacob. Both symbols testify of a rule that will conquer its enemies and last forever. God the Father addresses the Son in Hebrews 1:8, declaring, “Your throne, O God, will last forever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.” Christ’s reign will be eternal and righteous, for Jesus Himself declares in Revelation 2:27 that He “will rule with an iron scepter”—again speaking about a divine, eternal, and just reign over all nations.

What does such a divine and glorious promise mean to the believer today? As we see all the chaos and calamity going on in the world, we can take comfort and fear not. We stand on the promise that God’s sovereign reign has always been over the world and can never be defeated. He will “smash the forehead” of his enemies now and forever.

So, brothers and sisters in Christ, rejoice! Persevere and endure with joy, for our King is coming, and He will reign in righteousness. All corruption and deception will be smashed. All of God’s enemies will be judged accordingly. We can claim the same promises which the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy: “If we died with him, we will also live with him, if we endure, we will also reign with him,” (2 Timothy 2:11-12).

Praise be to God!

By Pastor David Massie, Friend of Bible League International