Shebet means tribe, rod, staff, or scepter. It appears about 190 times. It refers to the tribal divisions of Israel, the shepherd's staff, the rod of discipline, and the royal scepter.
The twelve tribes (shevatim) of Israel constitute God's covenant people. The 'rod and staff' comfort the Psalmist (Psalm 23:4). The scepter represents royal authority — 'The scepter will not depart from Judah' (Genesis 49:10) is a messianic prophecy. Discipline with the rod reflects covenantal love (Proverbs 13:24).