The heraldic seal of the archbishop of York, who worked under kings William II of England and Henry I of England.

Seal of Thurstan

The heraldic seal of the archbishop of York, who worked under kings William II of England and Henry…

The third-largest feline after the tiger and the lion.

Jaguar

The third-largest feline after the tiger and the lion.

A family of lions.

Lions

A family of lions.

A coastal sea lion of western North America.

California Sea Lion

A coastal sea lion of western North America.

A variety of pepper with a mild fruit and pleasant taste.

Ruby King Pepper

A variety of pepper with a mild fruit and pleasant taste.

A wall relief of the ancient Assyrian lion. These sculptures were placed in doorways as protective entities.

Assyrian Lion

A wall relief of the ancient Assyrian lion. These sculptures were placed in doorways as protective entities.

A cartoon of a young woman carrying a tray, which holds an oversized playing card of a King of Hearts.

Young Woman and King of Hearts

A cartoon of a young woman carrying a tray, which holds an oversized playing card of a King of Hearts.

Pictured is a Tompkins King apple. It is the flat or oblate American apple.

Tompkins King Apple

Pictured is a Tompkins King apple. It is the flat or oblate American apple.

Pictured is an Italian pattern of bedding, the numbers representing different plants. (1) orange king, (2) blue perfection, (3) white geranium, (4) scarlet geranium, and (5) <I>Alternanthera paronychioides</I>.

Italian Pattern Bedding

Pictured is an Italian pattern of bedding, the numbers representing different plants. (1) orange king,…

A floral divider, with winged lions and a fountain.

Floral Divider with Winged Lions

A floral divider, with winged lions and a fountain.

The King Suction Machine was considered one of the most effective locust extermination machines of its time. It employed a revolving fan to vacuum locusts into a crushing chamber, then ejected their carcasses back down into the soil.

KIng Suction Machine

The King Suction Machine was considered one of the most effective locust extermination machines of its…

This illustration shows the glove of Henry VI.

Glove of Henry VI

This illustration shows the glove of Henry VI.

In heraldry, the griffin is a fabulous animal, with the head and forefeet of an eagle, and the body, hind legs, and tail of a lion. The head is represented with pricked ears, symbolical of its vigilance. In mythology, the griffin was a creature similar in form to the griffin of heraldry, which was supposed to find its especial function in watching over hidden treasure, especially in Scythia. It was dedicated to the sun-god Apollo, whose chariot appears in early art as drawn by griffins. It was a favorite ornamental 'theme' in ancient Babylonian and Persian art, and is also found in a similar way on art objects of the Phoenicians, the Mycenæan civilization, and the ancient Greeks. The Romans and art-workers of the renaissance used it as a purely decorative device.

Griffin

In heraldry, the griffin is a fabulous animal, with the head and forefeet of an eagle, and the body,…

In Gothic architecture, a lantern tower is frequently placed over the center of cross churches, and the light admitted by windows in the sides. This illustration shows the lantern tower at Grey Friars, King's Lynn, a friary in Norfolk, England.

Lantern Tower at Grey Friars, King's lynn

In Gothic architecture, a lantern tower is frequently placed over the center of cross churches, and…

Moloch (or Mo'lech) is the name of an ancient deity which was worshipped by the Ammonites. The Israelites also worshiped this idol for a time. Human sacrifices were the primary offering made to Moloch.

Moloch Being Worshipped

Moloch (or Mo'lech) is the name of an ancient deity which was worshipped by the Ammonites. The Israelites…

The leopard <i>(Felis pardus)</i> is a carnivore closely allied to the lion and the tiger, but differing it its inferior size, and in the fact that its tawny coat is covered with dark spots, formed by an incomplete ring of black enclosing a bright central patch. In addition to this brightly-colored form, there exists also the black leopard or panther, formerly regarded as a distinct species, but now proved to be merely a variety. Leopards occur throughout India, Ceylon, and Burma, in Persia, Palestine, Syria, Arabia, and Africa; while formerly their distribution was even more extensive. They are very active animals, and differ from lions and tigers in that they habitually climb trees. The total length, including the tail, is sometimes as much as eight feet. In India, the leopard preys chiefly on dogs and on carious kinds of monkeys; but it is capable of killing a bullock or the samber deer. The litters consist of from two to four cubs, which in India are born in spring. Leopards chiefly inhabit rocky hills covered with scrub, and in the neighborhood of villages are often a dreadful scourge to herds and flocks, and sometimes become habitual man-eaters.

Leopard

The leopard (Felis pardus) is a carnivore closely allied to the lion and the tiger, but differing it…

From the ninth to seventh century BCE in northern Iraq.

Human headed winged lion

From the ninth to seventh century BCE in northern Iraq.

Hieroglyphics of a pharaoh being worshiped.

Pharaoh Worship

Hieroglyphics of a pharaoh being worshiped.

First row of hieroglyphics worshiping Shalmaneser, king of Assyria.

Row 1 of Hieroglyphics

First row of hieroglyphics worshiping Shalmaneser, king of Assyria.

Row of hieroglyphics honoring Shalmaneser, king of Assyria.

Row 2 of Hieroglyphics

Row of hieroglyphics honoring Shalmaneser, king of Assyria.

A row of hieroglyphics showing men working.  These are to honor Shalmaneser, king of Assyria.

Row 3 of Hieroglyphics

A row of hieroglyphics showing men working. These are to honor Shalmaneser, king of Assyria.

Hieroglyphics of men carrying food in honor of Shalmaneser, king of Assyria.

Row 4 of Hieroglyphics

Hieroglyphics of men carrying food in honor of Shalmaneser, king of Assyria.

Shishak, king of Egypt.

Shishak

Shishak, king of Egypt.

Tirhakah, king of Ethiopia.

Tirhakah

Tirhakah, king of Ethiopia.

A medal of Parthia, with a portrait of one of its kings.  On the reverse are instruments of worship, with guards standing on either side of the altar.

Medal of Parthia

A medal of Parthia, with a portrait of one of its kings. On the reverse are instruments of worship,…

The head engraved on one side of the coin is thought to be the portraits of the king of Parthia.  In the globe worn atop his head is a figure meant to represent a departed spirit raised to divine honors.

Parthia

The head engraved on one side of the coin is thought to be the portraits of the king of Parthia. In…

A detailed drawing of a lion's retractile claw.

Claw

A detailed drawing of a lion's retractile claw.

A lion's right fore paw with the claws lifted and sheathed in the skin.

Lion's Claw

A lion's right fore paw with the claws lifted and sheathed in the skin.

A boar's head is carried into a banquet hall accompanied by musicians. The boar's head festival we know today originated at Queen's College, Oxford, England. Legend has it that a scholar was studying a book of Aristotle while walking through the forest on his way to Midnight Mass. Suddenly, he was confronted by an angry wild boar. Having no other weapon, the resourceful Oxonian rammed his metal-bound philosophy book down the throat of the charging animal, whereupon the brute choked to death. That night the boar's head, finely dressed and garnished, was borne in procession to the dining room, accompanied by carolers singing "in honor of the King of bliss."

Boar's Head Festival Procession

A boar's head is carried into a banquet hall accompanied by musicians. The boar's head festival we know…

A king or nobleman sits on a modest throne with a footstool and comforts a weeping young man kneeling at his feet. Perhaps a medieval rendering of the return of the prodigal son.

King Comforting a Young Man

A king or nobleman sits on a modest throne with a footstool and comforts a weeping young man kneeling…

"But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few chosen." Matthew 22:11-14 ASV
<p>Illustration of a king casting out improperly-dressed guest from the wedding feast for his son. Other guests sit in the background. The king holds a scepter.

Parable of the Marriage Feast

"But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment:…

Saint Mark sitting an a cloth-covered table writing the Gospel. Scrolls rest on the table. Beside him rests a lion, the Evangelist's traditional symbol.

Saint Mark Writing

Saint Mark sitting an a cloth-covered table writing the Gospel. Scrolls rest on the table. Beside him…

"And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee; and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and them that sat at meat with him; and the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went out, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptizer. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou forthwith give me on a platter the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat, he would not reject her. And straightway the king sent forth a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring his head: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the damsel; and the damsel gave it to her mother." Mark 6:21-28 ASV
<p>Illustration of John the Baptist about to be beheaded. The daughter of Herodias stands in the background with a platter.

Beheading of John the Baptist

"And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the…

Recumbent lion in front of a large rock is used as a tailpiece at the end of Mark's gospel in an old German Bible.

Recumbent Lion

Recumbent lion in front of a large rock is used as a tailpiece at the end of Mark's gospel in an old…

"Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king exceeding glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he had trusted in his God." Daniel 6:19-23 ASV
<p>Illustration of Daniel standing in the lions' den. An angel protects him from the lions.

Daniel in the Lions' Den

"Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he…

Head of a roaring lion from an engraving of an angel shutting the mouths of the lions when Daniel was thrown into the lions' den.

Head of Roaring Lion

Head of a roaring lion from an engraving of an angel shutting the mouths of the lions when Daniel was…

"In the thirteenth year of the reign of Nabuchodonosor, the two and twentieth day of the first month, the word was given out in the house of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians, that he would revenge himself. And he called all the ancients, and all the governors, and his officers of war, and communicated to them the secret of his counsel: And he said that his thoughts were to bring all the earth under his empire. And when this saying pleased them all, Nabuchodonosor, the king, called Holofernes the general of his armies, And said to him: Go out against all the kingdoms of the west, and against them especially that despised my commandment. Thy eye shall not spare any kingdom, and all the strong cities thou shalt bring under my yoke. Then Holofernes called the captains and officers of the power of the Assyrians: and he mustered men for the expedition, as the king commanded him, a hundred and twenty thousand fighting men on foot, and twelve thousand archers, horsemen." Judith 2:2-7 DRA
<p>Illustration of the vast armies of Nebuchadnezzar.

Army of King Nebuchadnezzar

"In the thirteenth year of the reign of Nabuchodonosor, the two and twentieth day of the first month,…

"Now as he left off speaking these words, there came a certain Jew in the sight of all to sacrifice to the idols upon the altar in the city of Modin, according to the king's commandment. And Mathathias saw and was grieved, and his reins trembled, and his wrath was kindled according to the judgment of the law, and running upon him he slew him upon the altar: Moreover the man whom king Antiochus had sent, who compelled them to sacrifice, he slew at the same time, and pulled down the altar." 1 Maccabees 2:23-25 DRA
<p>Mathathias holds sword after slaying the Jew who had sacrificed to the idols in the city of Modin.

Mathathias Slays the Man Who Sacrificed to Idols

"Now as he left off speaking these words, there came a certain Jew in the sight of all to sacrifice…

"And Eleazar the son of Saura saw one of the beasts harnessed with the king's harness: and it was higher than the other beasts: and it seemed to him that the king was on it: And he exposed himself to deliver his people and to get himself an everlasting name. And he ran up to it boldly in the midst of the legion, killing on the right hand, and on the left, and they fell by him on this side and that side. And he went between the feet of the elephant, and put himself under it: and slew it, and it fell to the ground upon him, and he died there. Then they seeing the strength of the king and the fierceness of his army, turned away from them." 1 Maccabees 6:43-47 DRA
<p>Eleazar attacks an elephant he assumes to be carrying the king. The elephant falls and kills Eleazar.

Eleazar Attacks the Elephant

"And Eleazar the son of Saura saw one of the beasts harnessed with the king's harness: and it was higher…

The Chateau of Chambord is located in the commune of Chambord in the Loire Valley, France. The castle is famous for its French Renaissance architecture that blends French Medieval with classical Italian styles. It was constructed by King Francois I, and is the largest castle in Loire Valley.

Chateau of Chambord

The Chateau of Chambord is located in the commune of Chambord in the Loire Valley, France. The castle…

Located about 55 kilometers from Paris, it is one of the largest French royal chateaus.  Pictured is the Porte Doree, its southern entrance. The Chateau Fontainebleau is the largest royal castle in France. The palace was designed by numerous French monarchs, one of them being King Francis I during the 16th century. The palace is designed in an Italian Mannerist style which later became known as the "Fontainebleau style" during the 16th century.

Chateau of Fontainebleau

Located about 55 kilometers from Paris, it is one of the largest French royal chateaus. Pictured is…

The Richelieu Pavilion (a pavilion located on the inside "court") of the Louvre Palace. The Richelieu Pavilion of the Louvre was named after King Louis XIII first chief minister, Cardinal-Duc de Richelieu. It is part of the Louvre Palace which is located along the Seine river in Paris, France. The Richelieu pavilion is located at the northern limb of the New Louvre.

The Richelieu Pavilion of the Louvre

The Richelieu Pavilion (a pavilion located on the inside "court") of the Louvre Palace. The Richelieu…

The puma, also known as the cougar, panther, or mountain lion <i> (Felis concolor) </i> , is a large American cat, formerly to be met anywhere from the St. Lawrence River and southern British Columbia to Patagonia, but now practically exterminated east of the Rocky Mountains. It is remarkable among the larger cats for its uniformity of coloration, whence it is popularly known as 'lion' throughout all the countries south of the United States. The fur is thick and close, and in adults is plain tawny above, except for a dark streak along the middle of the back, and a dark tip to the tail, while the under surface is of a paler tint. The presence in the young, however, of a ringed tail and of spots on the body shows that the puma's ancestors possessed the characteristically feline type of coloration. There is much variation in size: the largest authenticated measurement is eight feet two inches from the snout to the tip of the tail, the tail being three feet eight inches; but the usual length of the body, exclusive of the tail, appears to be under four feet.

The puma is able to live in low-lying plains and on mountain slopes, among dense forests and on the treeless pampas. Its natural prey is such animals as deer in North and in Central America, while of the pampas it feeds largely on huanacos; but everywhere it preys as hunger suggests or occasion requires on any smaller and more agile creature it is able to pick up. Like the leopard, it is especially destructive to sheep, a single puma when it gains access to a fold sometimes slaughtering 100 in a night, seemingly in a blind revel of killing. It rarely attacks man unprovoked, and has the reputation, especially in the Plains regions, of being absolutely cowardly. When hunted with dogs (the usual method), it tries first to flee, and when overtaken climbs a tree, where it remains, snarling at the pack of dogs until the hunter comes up and dispatches it. Nevertheless, when cornered it fights to the death, showing that its real disposition is that of timidity and caution rather than of poltroonery.

The two sexes live apart, but pair in winter and summer. Two or three young are born at once.

Puma

The puma, also known as the cougar, panther, or mountain lion (Felis concolor) , is a large American…

"Now when they were departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I tell thee: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt." Matthew 2:13-14 ASV
<p>Illustration of Joseph leading a donkey carrying Mary and the baby Jesus into Egypt. The family is fleeing from King Herod. Joseph holds a staff in his hand and palm trees are depicted on the left.

The Flight into Egypt - Mary, Joseph, and Jesus Flee from King Herod

"Now when they were departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise…

So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him,and led him to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year." John 18:12-13 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus with his hands bound behind his back, being led before Annas, father-in-law of Caiaphas, the High Priest. The surrounding text confirms it is Annas and not Caiaphas. Annas sits on an elevated platform. Other robed men sit on benches to his right and left. A servant holds the ropes binding Jesus.

The Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus - He is Taken Before Annas, the Former High Priest

So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him,and led…

"And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!" Matthew 27:29 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus as a solider places a crown of thorns on his head. A robe is around his shoulders and a reed is in his hand. A soldier plays a small horn and tambourine on Christ's left side. Another soldier kneels mockingly in front of him, as if to worship him. A fourth soldier leans behind them to Christ's right. Two holy men watch from behind a wall in the background.

The Crowning of Thorns - Jesus is Made a Mock King

"And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they…

Illustration of a great multitude of Visigoth warriors, along with the booty they had taken from Rome, including slaves, cattle, on the march into the south of Italy. Some goths ride horses, their spears raised in triumph, while other drive carts pulled by oxen, carrying their bounty. Alaric was the first King of the Visigoths from AD 395–410.

Visigoths, Under the Rule of Alaric, on the March after Sacking Rome

Illustration of a great multitude of Visigoth warriors, along with the booty they had taken from Rome,…

Illustration of an English king between AD 800 and 1000. The king is very likely King Alfred who reigned from 871-899. The king is wearing a tunic and fur-trimmed cloak, along with striped tights and no shoes. He is looking up in an awkward position. His crown has three prongs. Both hands are raised in the air.

An English King from the 9th or 10th Century, Possibly King Alfred

Illustration of an English king between AD 800 and 1000. The king is very likely King Alfred who reigned…

A close-up, side view of the gold Alfred Jewel, which was made in the late 9th century. The inscription reads "aelfred mec heht gewyrcan", which means "Alfred had me wrought". You can clearly see the animal head at the base and the snout, which would have been hollow so that a rod could be fitted onto the jewel.

The Gold Alfred Jewel, Side View

A close-up, side view of the gold Alfred Jewel, which was made in the late 9th century. The inscription…

An aerial view of the siege of Château Gaillard, also called the Saucy Castle. Construction of the castle was begun by Richard the Lionheart in 1196. The castle was besieged by the French who are pictured encamped  to the south of the castle with a siege tower and two catapults. The fortified town of Petit-Andely is pictured to the north in the background. The River Seine runs to the west.

The Siege of Château Gaillard, the Saucy Castle of Richard the Lionheart - Aerial View

An aerial view of the siege of Château Gaillard, also called the Saucy Castle. Construction of the…

Detail from a larger engraving of the siege of Boulogne in 1544 during the campaigns of Henry VIII in France. The detail has a banner in the upper left corner that reads "Highe Bovilloigne" and another that labels one encampment, "The Duke of Al Berkinnys Campe". The detail is from the center of the larger image. Boulogne is at the top of the illustration and their are plumes of smoke and evidence of explosions. The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Boulogneis damaged. Canons are set up as trenches are dug outside the city. There are archers and men with rifles attacking. Several soldiers with spears breach one area of the city. A man is being hung. In the foreground, troops on horseback with spears and flags cluster near an encampment of tents.

Siege of Boulogne by King Henry VIII, Detail of Cowdray Engraving

Detail from a larger engraving of the siege of Boulogne in 1544 during the campaigns of Henry VIII in…

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1 ASV
<p>Illustration of God sitting on a cloud with his arms outstretched as he creates the earth. He has a triangular halo behind his head. Adam and Eve (left) stand partially hidden by plants and Adam reaches out to the animals, including an elephant, turtle, snake, rooster, lion, rabbit, horse, peacock, tropical bird, sheep, duck, elk, and goat.

The Creation of the World - Adam and Eve, Animals, Plants,

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1 ASV Illustration of God sitting…

"And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so, as Jehovah had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent." Exodus 7:10 ASV
<p>Illustration of Moses and Aaron standing before Pharaoh and his advisers. Aaron holds the tale of a serpent that used to be his rod. Moses stands next to him and gestures toward the serpent. Pharaoh, wearing a crown, holding a sceptre, and sitting on a throne, stares at the snake. His arm is outstretched. One of Pharaoh's servants gapes at the scene. Others stand behind him, befuddled. A doorway displays a pyramid and palm trees in the background.

Aaron's Rod Turning into a Serpent Before Pharaoh and His Magicians

"And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so, as Jehovah had commanded: and Aaron cast…

"Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnah, and came to the vineyards of Timnah: and, behold, a young lion roared against him. And the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid; and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done." Judges 14:5-6 ASV
<p>Illustration of Samson tearing apart the jaw of a lion he is killing. He is wearing a tunic and cloak. He has long hair and a thick beard. The lion appears to be alive still. The terrain is rocky with some foliage.

Samson Tears a Lion Apart with His Bare Hands

"Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnah, and came to the vineyards of Timnah:…

"So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah." I Samuel 16:13 ASV
<p>lllustration of Samuel pouring oil on David's head, anointing him king instead of Saul. David's head is bowed and he holds a small staff. His mother and his father, Jesse, kneel behind Samuel. David's brothers and other townspeople stand around. A goat is pictured roasting just outside the door.

David is Anointed King by Samuel

"So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day…

"And an evil spirit from Jehovah was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand; and David was playing with his hand. And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the spear; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the spear into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night." I Samuel 19:9-10 ASV
<p>Illustration of Saul, javelin raised and pointed at David, in a rage as David plays his harp. David's left hand is raised to shield himself. An adviser sits to the right of Saul. A young boy, perhaps Jonathan, stands against a column to Saul's left. A dog stands at the boy's feet. The room has arched windows that open up on to the town.

Saul Tries to Kill David with His Javelin

"And an evil spirit from Jehovah was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand; and…

"And he said unto his men, Jehovah forbid that I should do this thing unto my lord, Jehovah's anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is Jehovah's anointed. So David checked his men with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. And Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way." I Samuel 24:6-7
<p>Illustration of David standing over the sleeping body of Saul. David holds his hand out to stop his soldier from hurting Saul. The soldier has his sword drawn. Saul is reclining on a mat. Two spears, a sword, shield, and some dishes lay around the tree behind Saul. A soldier is asleep in the entrance of the cave.

David Spares Saul's Life as He Sleeps in a Cave

"And he said unto his men, Jehovah forbid that I should do this thing unto my lord, Jehovah's anointed,…

"So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of Jehovah with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet." 2 Samuel 6:15 ASV
<p>Illustration of King David marching before the ark, playing his harp. The priests and people march behind him, carrying the ark and playing trumpets and tambourines. A young boy marches and plays a triangle.

King David Takes the Ark of the Covenant to Mount Zion

"So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of Jehovah with shouting, and with the sound…

"Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak. And ten young men that bare Joab's armor compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him." 2 Samuel 18:14-15 ASV
<p>Illustration of Absalom hanging by his hair from an oak tree. His horse is rearing on its hind legs, preparing to run away. Joab, the general, holds two spears in one hand and prepares to stab Absalom with the third. Other members of Joab's troops have their swords raised, poised to strike.

Absalom is Killed by Joab While Hanging in a Tree

"Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them…

"And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her heart yearned over her son, and she said, Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, It shall be neither mine nor thine; divide it. Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof." I Kings 3:25-27 ASV
<p>Illustration of Solomon sitting in judgement. He wears a crown and is holding a scepter. A soldier holds one baby by the foot and raises his sword to strike. One woman is holding the baby up, the other is kneeling and pleading for its life. The baby that passed away is lying on the ground. Two men, advisers, stand nearby. Several people watch the scene from behind a low wall.

The Judgement of Solomon - the Real Mother is Revealed

"And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.…