“The term rod of iron is found in Psalm 2:9 and in three passages in the book of Revelation … [Revelation 2:27; 12:5; 19:15.]. All of them imply that the rod is a symbol of ruling power. … Anciently, the rod was used both for correction and for gentle guidance. … The rod [is] both a source of support (as the word of God) and a weapon of defense. … By comparing the word of God with a … rod, the prophets have shown us that there is both strength and love in obedience to the Lord” (Tvedtnes, “Rod and Sword as the Word of God,” 48–55).