And he that cannot put to death one that offendeth against him holdeth a sceptre, as though he were judge of a country.
Like human judges they hold scepters in their hands, but they have no power to punish anyone who wrongs them.
These idols hold a scepter in their hands, just like human judges, yet these idols have no power to punish any criminal.
One of them holds a scepter, like a district judge, but is unable to destroy anyone who offends it.
Like a local ruler the god holds a scepter, though unable to destroy any one who offends it.