The attentive reader recognizes that with these words John is making an allusion to Psalm 2:1–12. That psalm celebrates the kingship of the Son, complete with an injunction to the kings of the earth to kiss his feet. To our imagination the reference to an iron rod fits well with the concept of “rule”—and in the eye of our mind we picture a no-nonsense type of governing. What is striking is that the Greek does not use here the word “rule” (though it is in the Hebrew of Ps. 2) but instead the verb “shepherd” (as is found in the Septuagint). Commentators suggest that the Hebrew words behind the English “shepherd” and “rule” look similar and so some scribe must have read the word wrong. However that may be, the Holy Spirit has chosen to use at this point in his inspired Scripture the word “shepherd” and done so in conjunction with the reference to “a rod of iron” (the same occurs in Revelation 2:27). There is a redemptive-historical explanation. Jesus himself had described the task of a shepherd as going beyond tending his sheep to include also separation, Matthew 25:32. The use of the term “shepherd” in the present context points to Christ’s work as victorious Judge (Revelation 19:11) separating the sheep from the goats in a no-nonsense fashion.
15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.