Sceptre represents the Sovereign authority of God over Israel. However, Israel chose to reject God and accept an inferior wood like the surrounding nations. (Ezekiel 21:10) Foolishly, they chose inferior false gods instead of the true God. For generations, Israel repeatedly rejected God. Only the Babylonian captivity of 70 years healed them of this disease of idol worship. “My people inquire of a piece of wood, and their walking staff gives them oracles. For a spirit of whoredom has led them astray, and they have left their God to play the whore.” (Hosea 4:12)
Sceptre: In ancient times, the King of kings and God of Gods revealed Himself to the Nation of Israel. His Words, Laws, Truth, Promises, and covenant were rejected. His rule and authority were not honoured. Instead of celebrating this privilege, Israel chose inferior religions that were not revealed, powerless, useless, and earthly.
Carved wood: Idols were carved out of wood, and they were deified as gods. Like surrounding nations, Israel also worshiped, and enquired to those gods who were lifeless. When the Sovereign God is rejected as absolute authority, anything could take the place, including a piece of wood or stone. Hence, there are billions of gods and goddesses in the form of idols in the whole world.
Walking staff: When wood becomes god, there is no need for a special sceptre; walking sticks become authority, and false prophets speak through them. Evil spirits or demons could possess subhuman beings like animals or reptiles or birds, and non-living things like walking sticks, broomsticks. They could manifest themselves with the power to deceive many people.
Spirit of whoredom: Since the Nation of Israel exchanged the glory of God with wood and sub-human beings, God gave them up to unnatural desires. (Psalm 106:20; Romans 1: 23) Israel committed spiritual adultery. Instead of being loyal to her husband, she went behind false gods. The worship rituals were debasing and debauched. Without the understanding of God as holy, religions make immoral practices into religious rituals. Meaningless traditions, myths, legends, and child sacrifice were common in those ancient nations.
Do I live under the sovereign rule of Holy God?