Ephraem the Syrian
He wielded a staff of might among the assembly of elders. These elders were initially lifted up by God but were ultimately brought to ruin in bondage.
And she hath strong rods to make sceptres for them that bear rule, and her stature was exalted among the branches: and she saw her height in the multitude of her branches.
וַיִּֽהְיוּ־לָ֞הּ מַטּ֣וֹת עֹ֗ז אֶל־שִׁבְטֵי֙ מֹֽשְׁלִ֔ים וַתִּגְבַּ֥הּ קֽוֹמָת֖וֹ עַל־בֵּ֣ין עֲבֹתִ֑ים וַיֵּרָ֣א בְגָבְה֔וֹ בְּרֹ֖ב דָּלִיֹּתָֽיו׃
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
He wielded a staff of might among the assembly of elders. These elders were initially lifted up by God but were ultimately brought to ruin in bondage.
Your mother is like a vine, flourishing amidst thorns, planted by waters that nourish. Its branches and fruit draw sustenance from the many streams. He was entrusted with a scepter of authority among the council of elders and rose in splendor among the vines. He beheld his glory in the abundance of his vineyards, for your mother is compared to both a vine and a pomegranate tree planted by the water's edge, which thrives in the moist environment, blooming beautifully and yielding plentiful fruit. It is noteworthy that the Prophet did not deem the fruit to be good. The water symbolizes the diverse blessings bestowed by God; the scepter of authority represents the royal sovereignty itself, for the scepter is a tool for guidance.
The Prophet further emphasized that this was over the tribe of elders because Jerusalem had dominion only over the tribe of Judah, not all of Israel. His observation of majesty in the lush vineyards reflects the city's pride, driven by its prosperity. This prompts the Prophet to add:
Passages read together with this verse.