In the biblical narrative, symbols of authority and belonging are significant markers that denote divine appointment, covenantal relationships, and communal identity. These symbols often serve as tangible representations of spiritual truths and divine mandates.

1. Authority:

Throughout Scripture, various symbols are used to signify authority bestowed by God. One prominent example is the scepter, which represents royal authority and governance. In Genesis 49:10 , Jacob prophesies, "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and the allegiance of the nations is his." This prophecy highlights the enduring authority of the tribe of Judah, culminating in the messianic reign of Christ.

Another symbol of authority is the rod. In Exodus 4:2-4 , God commands Moses to use his staff as a sign of divine power and authority: "Then the LORD said to him, 'What is that in your hand?' 'A staff,' he replied. 'Throw it on the ground,' said the LORD. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it." The staff, later known as the rod of God, becomes a tool through which God performs miracles and asserts His authority over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt.

2. Belonging:

Symbols of belonging are equally significant in the biblical context, often denoting inclusion in the covenant community of God. The circumcision is a primary symbol of belonging for the Israelites. In Genesis 17:10-11 , God establishes circumcision as a sign of the covenant with Abraham: "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you."

The Passover lamb is another profound symbol of belonging. In Exodus 12:13 , God instructs the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of the lamb: "The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt." This act signifies their belonging to God's chosen people and their deliverance from bondage.

In the New Testament, baptism emerges as a symbol of belonging to the body of Christ. In Romans 6:3-4 , Paul writes, "Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life." Baptism signifies the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, marking their inclusion in the Christian community.

3. Combined Symbols:

Some symbols in Scripture encapsulate both authority and belonging. The seal is one such symbol, representing both divine authority and the believer's secure belonging to God. In Ephesians 1:13-14 , Paul explains, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory." The Holy Spirit as a seal signifies God's authority over the believer and their assured place in His family.

These symbols, deeply embedded in the biblical text, continue to hold theological significance, reminding believers of God's sovereign authority and their place within His covenant community.