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"But Holofernes lay on his bed, fast asleep, being exceedingly drunk. And Judith spoke to her maid to stand without before the chamber, and to watch: And Judith stood before the bed praying with tears, and the motion of her lips in silence, Saying: Strengthen me, O Lord God of Israel, and in this hour look on the works of my hands, that as thou hast promised, thou mayst raise up Jerusalem thy city: and that I may bring to pass that which I have purposed, having a belief that it might be done by thee. And when she had said this, she went to the pillar that was at his bed's head, and loosed his sword that hung tied upon it. And when she had drawn it out, she took him by the hair of his head, and said: Strengthen me, O Lord God, at this hour." Judith 13:4-9 DRA <p>Having taken Holofernes' sword in hand, Judith stands by his bed before she beheads him. Her maid acts as lookout.

Judith Prepares to Behead Holofernes

"But Holofernes lay on his bed, fast asleep, being exceedingly drunk. And Judith spoke to her maid to…

"And after Antiochus had ravaged Egypt in the hundred and forty-third year, he returned and went up against Israel. And he went up to Jerusalem with a great multitude. And he proudly entered into the sanctuary, and took away the golden altar, and the candlestick of light, and all the vessels thereof, and the table of proposition, and the pouring vessels, and the vials, and the little mortars of gold, and the veil, and the crowns, and the golden ornament that was before the temple: and he broke them all in pieces." 1 Maccabees 1:21-23 DRA <p>Illustration of Antiochus IV in the temple in Jerusalem. Engraving by William Colley Wrankmore.

Antiochus in the Temple

"And after Antiochus had ravaged Egypt in the hundred and forty-third year, he returned and went up…

"And Mathathias said: Woe is me, wherefore was I born to see the ruin of my people, and the ruin of the holy city, and to dwell there, when it is given into the hands of the enemies? The holy places are come into the hands of strangers: her temple is become as a man without honour. The vessels of her glory are carried away captive: her old men are murdered in the streets, and her young men are fallen by the sword of the enemies. What nation hath not inherited her kingdom, and gotten of her spoils? All her ornaments are taken away. She that was free is made a slave. And behold our sanctuary, and our beauty, and our glory is laid waste, and the Gentiles have defiled them. To what end then should we live any longer? And Mathathias and his sons rent their garments, and they covered themselves with haircloth, and made great lamentation." 1 Maccabees 2:7-14 DRA <p>Mathathias and his family lament the destruction of Jerusalem.

Mathathias Laments the Defilement of Jerusalem

"And Mathathias said: Woe is me, wherefore was I born to see the ruin of my people, and the ruin of…

"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 Apollonius gathered together the Gentiles, and a numerous and great army from Samaria, to make war against Israel. And Judas understood it, and went forth to meet him: and he overthrew him, and killed him: and many fell down slain, the rest fled away. And he took their spoils, and Judas took the sword of Apollonius, and fought with it all his lifetime." 1 Maccabees 3:10-12 DRA <p>Illustration of Mathathias' son, Judas Machabeus, slaying Apollonius.

Judas Slays Apollonius

"And Apollonius gathered together the Gentiles, and a numerous and great army from Samaria, to make…

"...and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against; yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." Luke 2:34-35 ASV <p>Illustration of Simeon prophesying as he holds the baby Jesus in his arms in the temple. Mary reaches out to cradle Jesus in her arms as Joseph stands by, holding a basket. A woman kneels behind Simeon. A priest stands in the background. The scene takes place during the presentation of Jesus at the temple.

The Prophecy of Simeon at the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple

"...and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling…

Illustration of an aquilifer carrying the eagle standard for his Roman legion. His left hand sits on the hilt of his short sword. The top of the standard is an eagle sitting on a ring with the portrait of a man inside. The standard-bearer is wearing traditional armor and no helmet.

A Roman Standard-Bearer called an Aquilifer

Illustration of an aquilifer carrying the eagle standard for his Roman legion. His left hand sits on…

A soldier from Gaul carrying a sword in his right hand and shield in his left. He is wearing a cloak and traditional braccae, trousers made from wool. The trousers are fitted around the ankle. The soldier's helmet has horns and ear-pieces. He has long hair and a long mustache.

Gallic Soldier Wearing Trousers and a Horned Helmet

A soldier from Gaul carrying a sword in his right hand and shield in his left. He is wearing a cloak…

A collection of weapons used by the Germanic tribe called the Franks. These are all of their most typically used weapons: a shield, a spear or Germanic spear, a Frankish spear or angon (this is similar to a short javelin), a sword, a knife, and a short axe for battling in close quarters. All of the weapons are standing vertically, except for the short axe, which lies horizontally, underneath the shield. The shield appears to be three-tiered.

Frankish Weapons, Including a Shield, Germanic Spear, Angon, Sword, Knife, and Short Axe

A collection of weapons used by the Germanic tribe called the Franks. These are all of their most typically…

Illustration of the storefront of a medieval shop on a street with buildings on either side. Spires rise in the background. Much of the architecture is in the Gothic style. Two men stand in the street. Two women stand just outside the shop. What appears to be a statue of an angel with a sword adorns the outside wall of the shop.

A Medieval Shop, Storefront

Illustration of the storefront of a medieval shop on a street with buildings on either side. Spires…

"So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden the Cherubim, and the flame of a sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." Genesis 3:24 ASV <p>Illustration of Adam and Eve as they are sent away from the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life. Both are wearing animal skins and Adam is covering his face. Two angels, both holding swords, stand in front of a tree. A dog stands next to the angels.One angel points Adam and Eve away from the garden. The serpent is at Eve's feet with its mouth open. God is pictured looking down from the clouds. A small, oval image of Mary holding the baby Jesus is inset above Eve's head.

Adam and Eve are Punished and Cast Out of the Garden of Eden

"So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden the Cherubim, and the flame…

"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and there shall no plague be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt." Exodus 12:13 ASV <p>Illustration of the angel of death passing by the door of an Israelite home. The door is marked on the top side with the smeared blood of an unblemished lamb. The angel hovers over the ground and carries a sword in his right hand. Inside the house, a family can be seen gathered around the table with the slaughtered lamb on it. They are observing the first Passover. Behind the angel, a child lies dead in the street. Two obelisks and a pyramid are in the background.

The Death Angel Passes Over an Israelite Door Marked with the Blood of a Lamb

"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I…

"So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets; and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, that the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city." Joshua 6:20 ASV <p>Illustration of the Israelites entering the city of Jericho. The priests are carrying the Ark of the Covenant and blowing trumpets. Several men are carrying spears and shields. A man, possibly Joshua, rides on a horse, carrying a sword, and gesturing for the people to enter. In the background, the walls of Jericho are falling down.

The Walls of Jericho Fall and the Israelites Enter the Promised Land

"So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets; and it came to pass, when the people heard…

"Then David ran, and stood over the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled." I Samuel17:51 ASV <p>Illustration of David standing next to the giant body of Goliath, holding his head by the hair. David is leaning on Goliath's sword and Goliath's spear lies on the ground, partially underneath the body. The Philistine army flees (left), while the Israelites cheer and pursue them (right). There are trees, mountains, and a small town in the background.

David Holds the Head of the Slain Goliath

"Then David ran, and stood over the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof,…

"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,…

"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.…

Judith, having just beheaded Holofernes, places his head in a bag with the help of her servant. She is holding a curved sword, or scimitar and is wrapped in robes that cover her head. Her servant is also clothed in voluminous robes. A shield and scabbard hang from the bedpost. Holofernes' body lies partially on the bed (left). Heavy curtains hang from the bed frame. A doorway in the background opens on to the city.

Judith Places the Head of Holofernes in a Bag

Judith, having just beheaded Holofernes, places his head in a bag with the help of her servant. She…

"Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I told you that I am he; if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: that the word might be fulfilled which he spake, Of those whom thou hast given me I lost not one. Simon Peter therefore having a sword drew it, and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. Now the servant's name was Malchus." John 18:7-10 ASV <p>Illustration of Jesus' betrayal. Judas leans close to Jesus, having just kissed his cheek. The people, priests, and soldiers gather around, holding swords and torches. One man is tying Jesus' leg with rope. Others chase the disciples away. Peter is in the foreground with Malchus down on the ground. Peter's sword is raised.

Judas Betrays Jesus and Peter Cuts Off the Ear of Malchus

"Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I told…

"And the jailor, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. And he called for lights and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:27-30 ASV <p>Illustration of the jailer kneeling on one knee at Paul's feet in the jail. Paul stands above him with arms open and Silas is sitting on a bench leaning toward and reaching out for the jailer. A lamp is burning on the ground next to the jailer's sword. The door to the jail is in the corner.

Paul and Silas in Jail - the Jailer Kneels Before Paul

"And the jailor, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was…

Illustration of Paul, kneeling on one knee in the city streets, head bowed, awaiting execution. A man in a short tunic and head wrap is raising his sword above Paul's head. A man in a robe stands nearby with his hand over his mouth. Another man stands in the background, holding a scroll and a staff. Two soldiers are standing in the background.

Paul is Beheaded at Rome by the Order of Emperor Nero

Illustration of Paul, kneeling on one knee in the city streets, head bowed, awaiting execution. A man…

Illustration of Pope Leo, dressed in full papal costume and holding the primatial cross, approaches Attila the Hun. Several clergy follow behind Leo, one carrying the cross of Christ. Attila bows slightly. He is wearing a crown and carrying a sword. His army follows behind. The face of a horse is visible. God, carrying a sword, floats in a cloud over the scene.

Pope Leo the Great Approaches Attila, King of the Huns, on the Battlefield

Illustration of Pope Leo, dressed in full papal costume and holding the primatial cross, approaches…

<i>Lepidopus caudatus</i>. "1. A fish of the family <i>Lepidopodidae, Lepidopus caudatus,</i>of the Mediterranean and Atlantic shores of Europe, as well as of New Zealand, of a bright silvery color, with a long dorsal and rudimentary anal fin: so called from suggesting by its form the sheath of a sword. Also called a scale fish and a frost fish." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

Scabbard Fish

Lepidopus caudatus. "1. A fish of the family Lepidopodidae, Lepidopus caudatus,of the Mediterranean…

Illustration including one large shield from the first half of the 13th century, bearing a decorative cross. It also includes two men having a sword fight. The man on the left is wearing a shield from the close of the 14th century, while the man on the right uses a shield from the close of the 13th century. The man on the right is on horseback. Both men have their swords raised and are wearing full armor.

Medieval Shields from the 13th and 14th Centuries

Illustration including one large shield from the first half of the 13th century, bearing a decorative…

<i>Tetrapturus albidus</i>. Also called a billfish or spearfish, "the dorsal fin is low or moderately developed, and the ventrals are represented only by spines. It inhabits American waters as far north as New England in summer, and is not seldom taken in fathoms deep. The spear-fish is related to the swordfish (though of another family), and has a similar beak or sword. It attains a length of six or eight feet. In the West Indies its Spanish name is <i>aguja</i>." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

White Marlin, a Sailfish

Tetrapturus albidus. Also called a billfish or spearfish, "the dorsal fin is low or moderately developed,…