This word in Scripture language seems to be intended for much more than is generally annexed to the term in ordinary speech. By sceptre we connect with the idea some insignia, or staff of office; but as the same word is used in Scripture in a very different sense as well, it certainly merits our attention, may not confine it to the one meaning take it in both. It is well known that the word Shebeth, which is translated sceptre in the memorable prophecy of the dying patriarch Jacob when declaring that "the sceptre should not depart, from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until the Shiloh should come," (Genesis 49:10) is also translated, Judges 5:14, pen. The whole passage is. "Out of Zebulun they that handle the pen (Shebeth) of the writer." So that the word, it should seem, is equally to be used for sceptre or pen.
Now if I mistake not (and if I do, may the Lord pardon the unintentional error), there is an uncommon beauty in the word, as used in both places, in reference to the Lord Jesus. Why may not both his regal office, and his prophetical office, be supposed as implied? The sceptre of Judah, and the pen of Zebulun, both might bear part in reference to Christ. The prophet Isaiah was commissioned to tell the church, "that the dimness should not be such as was in her vexation when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali." But at the coming of him whom the prophet was about to speak of, "the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light, and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death upon them hath the light shined." (Isaiah 9:1, etc.) And whosoever compares what Isaiah hath said in this chapter with Matthew 4:13-16, will I think conclude that the Shebeth of Judah, and the Shebeth of Zebulun, are only beautiful duplicates, under different views of office, both pointing to the Lord Jesus, and only applicable to him. I beg the reader to observe that I do not speak decidedly upon the subjectI only venture to offer what hath been said by way of conjecture. Of one thing I am very sure: the Old Testament well as the New, is full of Christ; and it is blessed to catch a glimpse of him in places where we least expected. See Shiloh