A stands on a chair to look out of a window. She holds back the curtains. The girl has curly hair and is wearing a pinafore over her patterned dress.

Girl Looking out Window

A stands on a chair to look out of a window. She holds back the curtains. The girl has curly hair and…

A young girl tilts her head and appears to be guilty of some misbehavior. Most likely the misbehavior relates to the two kittens poking their heads out of the pockets of the frilly pinafore she is wearing over her plaid dress. There is a large bow in her curly hair.

Guilty Girl with Kittens

A young girl tilts her head and appears to be guilty of some misbehavior. Most likely the misbehavior…

A tutor is seated in a chair as he talks to his young female student. The tutor is wearing pince-nez style glasses and gesturing with his left hand to make a point. Perhaps he is admonishing the young girl because she has her head tilted down and looks sad. The girl holds a book, while other books are strewn on the floor.

Girl with Tutor

A tutor is seated in a chair as he talks to his young female student. The tutor is wearing pince-nez…

A young barefoot boy in raggedy clothes stands with his hands behind his back. He looks worried.

Young Boy

A young barefoot boy in raggedy clothes stands with his hands behind his back. He looks worried.

A boy reading to an old woman. He is seated and barefoot. She has a head covering.

Boy Reading to an Old Woman

A boy reading to an old woman. He is seated and barefoot. She has a head covering.

Women talking to each other. A woman with a donut holds the hand of an older woman with a hood over her head

Two Women Talking

Women talking to each other. A woman with a donut holds the hand of an older woman with a hood over…

A head, spikelet, and grain of bearded wheat.

Wheat

A head, spikelet, and grain of bearded wheat.

A head of beardless wheat.

Beardless Wheat

A head of beardless wheat.

Head and grain of bearded barley.

Bearded Barley

Head and grain of bearded barley.

Head and spikelet of beardless barley.

Beardless Barley

Head and spikelet of beardless barley.

"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…

"And while he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster cruse of ointment of pure nard very costly; and she brake the cruse, and poured it over his head." Mark 14:3 ASV
<p>A woman pours a bottle of expensive ointment over Jesus' head as he sits at a table. A man (perhaps Simon the leper) stands in the background.

Anointing of Jesus by a Woman at Bethany

"And while he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman…

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee. But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this might be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." Luke 1:26-33 ASV
<p>Illustration shows the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary. Gabriel floats above the floor. He has large winds and hold a lily, the traditional symbol for Mary. Gabriel raises his right hand in blessing. Mary kneels on the floor, her hands pressed together and head downward.

The Annunciation, Gabriel Appears to Mary

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,…

"And they were bringing unto him little children, that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me; forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God." Mark 10:13-14 ASV
Illustration of Jesus sitting against a tree with a baby on his lap. Little children approach him and he pats one on the head. Two women sit on the ground, holding children. Two men, probably disciples, stand nearby. A small town is in the background.

Jesus Blesses the Little Children When They are Brought to Him

"And they were bringing unto him little children, that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked…

"And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her people, and unto her god: return thou after thy sister-in-law. And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, and to return from following after thee, for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: Jehovah do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me." Ruth 1:14-17 ASV
<p>Ruth (right) holds on to Naomi, her mother-in-law, and asks to stay with her.

Ruth and Naomi

"And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clave…

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…

Detail of two women with their heads covered from a larger engraving of Christ preaching.

Two Women with Heads Covered

Detail of two women with their heads covered from a larger engraving of Christ preaching.

"Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to the mountain of God, unto Horeb. And the angel of Jehovah appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will turn aside now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when Jehovah saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God." Exodus 3 ASV
<p>Illustration of Moses hiding his face as God appears to him from a burning bush. Moses has removed his shoes as directed.

Moses and the Burning Bush

"Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock…

"And they came unto the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it upon a staff between two; they brought also of the pomegranates, and of the figs. That place was called the valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster which the children of Israel cut down from thence. And they returned from spying out the land at the end of forty days. And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us; and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it." Numbers 13:23-27
<p>Illustration of two spies returning with a bunch of grapes so large it is carried by two men.

Return of the Spies Sent to Canaan

"And they came unto the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes,…

"And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead; and the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. 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." 1 Samuel 17:48-51 ASV
<p>David holds a sword over Goliath and prepares to cut off his head. In the background, the men of Israel and Judah pursue the Philistines.

David Slays Goliath

"And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened,…

"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 the angel said to them: Peace be to you, fear not. For when I was with you, I was there by the will of God: bless ye him, and sing praises to him. I seemed indeed to eat and to drink with you: but I use an invisible meat and drink, which cannot be seen by men. It is time therefore that I return to him that sent me: but bless ye God, and publish all his wonderful works. And when he had said these things, he was taken from their sight, and they could see him no more." Tobit 12:17-21 DRA
<p>After Raphael reveals himself as an angel, he departs back into heaven, leaving Tobit, Tobias, Anna, and Sarah.

Raphael Departs from Tobit and His Family

"And the angel said to them: Peace be to you, fear not. For when I was with you, I was there by the…

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…

"And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in the Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens rent asunder, and the Spirit as a dove descending upon him: And a voice came out of the heavens, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased." Mark 1:9-11 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Jesus stands, shin-deep in the river water, arms crossed on his chest and head bowed. John stands on the river bank with a staff in his left hand. With his right hand, he pours a bowl of water on Jesus head. A dove emerges from the parted clouds overhead.

The Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River

"And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John…

“When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep. But they laughed at him.

<p>After he put them all out, he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, <i>’Talitha koum!’</i> (which means ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old).” —Mark 5:38-42, NIV</p> 

<p>Illustration of Jesus bringing Jairus' recently deceased, 12-year-old daughter back to life. Jesus is holding the hand of the girl as she raises her upper body from the bed. She wears a laurel crown and Jairus stands behind her bed. A woman kneels next to Jesus. Incense is burning. Two onlookers stand in the background.

The Raising of Jairus' Daughter - Jesus Brings a Young Girl Back to Life

“When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and…

"And Jesus answered him, and said, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And the blind man said unto him, Rabboni, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And straightway he received his sight, and followed him in the way." Mark 10:51-52 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus reaching his right hand out over Bartimaeus' head as the blind beggar sits at Jesus' feet and is healed. Two disciples stand in a doorway behind Jesus, while a third stands behind him on the right. City buildings are seen in the background. Bartimaeus holds a crutch in his left hand.

Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar named Bartimaeus at Jericho

"And Jesus answered him, and said, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And the blind man said…

"And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be called thy son." Luke 15:20-21 ASV
<p>Illustration of the prodigal son on his knees before his father after returning home. The father cradles the son's head with one hand and the other is placed on the son's shoulder. A hat and staff are on the floor in the foreground. A well and more of the father's home can be seen in the background.

The Prodigal Son Returns Home and Kneels Before His Father

"And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved…

"Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded." John 13:5 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus kneeling, washing the foot of one of his disciples. The other disciples sit and stand around the table, watching Jesus. The disciple's foot is on a raised stool and a basin sits nearby. One disciple, perhaps Judas, is depicted in shadows in the back left of the illustration.

Jesus Washes the Feet of His Twelve Disciples after the Last Supper

"Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with…

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 a certain maid seeing him as he sat in the light of the fire, and looking stedfastly upon him, said, This man also was with him. But he denied, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou also art one of them. But Peter said, Man, I am not. And after the space of about one hour another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this man also was with him; for he is a Galilaean. But Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew." Luke 22:56-60 ASV
<p>Illustration of Peter denying his knowledge of Christ to a woman and a soldier. Peter sits in a courtyard. Jesus walks by (left), with his hands bound by rope, being followed by soldiers. A rooster sits on a windowsill above Peter's head. A column and low wall separate Jesus and Peter.

The Denial of Peter - Jesus Looks at Peter in the Courtyard

"And a certain maid seeing him as he sat in the light of the fire, and looking stedfastly upon him,…

"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…

"When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and beholdeth Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou hast borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turneth herself, and saith unto him in Hebrew, Rabboni; which is to say, Teacher. Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God." John 20:14-17 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene outside of his tomb as an angel sits nearby, watching. Jesus holds the cross-banner in his left hand and Mary kneels on his right. A jar sits on the ground. A fence is in the background.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene Outside the Tomb

"When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and beholdeth Jesus standing, and knew not that it…

A view of the back of a Roman toga. The man stands with his right foot slightly behind his left, as if he's taking a step. The toga is wrapped and draped over the left shoulder. Boys would adopt this style of clothing at the age of fifteen.

Roman Toga - View from the Back

A view of the back of a Roman toga. The man stands with his right foot slightly behind his left, as…

Illustration of the god called Woden in Germanic mythology and Odin in Norse mythology. Much like Zeus in Greek mythology, Odin is the chief god. He is pictured sitting on a raised platform, wrapped in a robe, holding a spear, Gungnir, in his hand. A thin band crowns his head. His wolves, Geri and Freki, are pictured on either side of the platform. His crows, Huginn and Muninn, are pictured, one on his shoulder and one flying nearby. His name is inscribed in runes on the front of the platform.

Woden or Odin, Germanic and Norse God, Seated with His Wolves and Crows

Illustration of the god called Woden in Germanic mythology and Odin in Norse mythology. Much like Zeus…

The Norse god Thor flings his hammer, Mjölnir, over his head. He is standing on a cloud and his name is written in runes on the cloud. He is wearing a short, belted tunic and his traditional winged helmet. He is the god of thunder.

Thor Wielding Mjölnir, Standing on a Cloud

The Norse god Thor flings his hammer, Mjölnir, over his head. He is standing on a cloud and his name…

A group of Franks, mainly men with a couple of women and children, cross the Rhine River on a wooden raft. Two men strain at the large oars on the front and another can be seen working an oar in the back. Several men have spears and two are pointing into the distance in front of them. Another raft can be seen just behind them (right), while a third is shown far away in the distance. Large cliffs rise in the background. The Romans were resettling the Franks near to their borders so they could be controlled.

Franks Crossing the Rhine to Establish Themselves on the West Bank as Allies of Rome

A group of Franks, mainly men with a couple of women and children, cross the Rhine River on a wooden…

A fleet of three ancient Anglo-Saxon ships, each with wind filling the lone sail. Each ship has a dragon head at the bow. The front ship has a curled, dragon tail at the stern. Several men occupy the decks of the ships. The ship of the right has a head on a pike displayed at its bow. A crow sits on and pecks at the head. Another crow sits on the mast of that ship.

Anglo-Saxon Ships with Wind in the Sails

A fleet of three ancient Anglo-Saxon ships, each with wind filling the lone sail. Each ship has a dragon…

The ship is pictured as it looked shortly after being unearthed. The tent-like structure at the back that is in most depictions, is not included in this illustration. Four of the 32 shields that were found can be seen attached to the side of the hull. The ship is raised up on a wooden frame. The ship was found in a burial mound in Sweden.

The Remains of the Prow of the Viking Ship Gokstad

The ship is pictured as it looked shortly after being unearthed. The tent-like structure at the back…

A woman stands in several layers of clothing. The dress usually included a cloak, an overdress, an under-dress, and head-covering. Her arms are bent at the elbow and her hands are raised.

Anglo-Saxon Female Costume from 10th Century England

A woman stands in several layers of clothing. The dress usually included a cloak, an overdress, an under-dress,…

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…

Illustration of an Anglo-Saxon manor house or noble's house from 11th century England. There are several porticoes and entrances to the house. People huddle in the entryways, some have shields and spears. An animal head with antlers is at the pinnacle of one roof. The lord and lady are giving alms to several poor people in the courtyard. There is a line of men with canes, a group filling large pottery jars, and a line of people reaching for alms.

Anglo-Saxon Manor House, Circa 11th Century

Illustration of an Anglo-Saxon manor house or noble's house from 11th century England. There are several…

Norman ships and warriors following William the Conqueror, also called William of Normandy, land on England's shores at Pevensey. Men with shields and spears, wearing iron helmets and coats of mail, emerge from Norman ships and smaller boats. A large ship with a dragon head at the bow is on the right. Cliffs rise in the background.

William of Normandy and His Norman Forces Land on England's Shores

Norman ships and warriors following William the Conqueror, also called William of Normandy, land on…

A high-born, noblewoman rides a stallion while holding a falcon perched on her right hand. She is wearing a falconry glove and holds the horses reins in her left hand. She is wearing the traditional dress for the upper class during the late Middle Ages, or Medieval period, including a piece of fabric wrapped over her head and down around her neck. The ends of the fabric fly out over her shoulders as she rides. Only the front hooves of the horse are visible. A man on horseback follows her in the background.

Falconry as Practiced by a Noblewoman of the Middle Ages on Horseback

A high-born, noblewoman rides a stallion while holding a falcon perched on her right hand. She is wearing…

Two medieval peasants, a man and woman, break clods of earth apart with mallets. The man is swinging his mallet, while the woman appears to be resting on hers. The man is wearing a short tunic and a hood. The woman wears a long dress and a head-covering.

Peasants Using Mallets to Break Clods of Earth Before Farming the Land

Two medieval peasants, a man and woman, break clods of earth apart with mallets. The man is swinging…

Two young men prepare the field using a simple harrow pulled by a horse. One man follows behind the harrow. He is wearing a short tunic and his hood is pushed back. The other man goes in front of the horse, guiding it, and using a whip to drive it forward. Two birds fly overhead.

Harrowing a Field for Farming in the Middle Ages

Two young men prepare the field using a simple harrow pulled by a horse. One man follows behind the…

Illustration of the head of a bishop's staff, also called a crosier. The head is a serpent curled around another reptilian figure and a man with a staff. The serpent symbolizes that the bishop is responsible for the blood of his parish. The lower part is highly ornamented with vines, etc.

Bishop's Staff - Head with Serpent Design

Illustration of the head of a bishop's staff, also called a crosier. The head is a serpent curled around…

"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…

"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 it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him." Genesis 4:8 ASV
<p>Abel lies dead on the ground, his left arm propped behind his head and his staff discarded next to him. Cain is slinking away, hiding his face. God appears in the smoke from the sacrifices burning on a nearby altar. A tree stands just behind the altar and a small bird watches from the bottom left corner of the image. Sheep gather in the background.

Cain and Abel- Cain Runs Away as Abel Lies Dead on the Ground

"...And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and…

"Then Jehovah rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Jehovah out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities, and all the Plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt." Genesis 19:24-26 ASV
<p>Illustration of Lot holding hands with his two daughters as they are led from the burning city of Sodom by two angels walking on either side of them. One daughter carries a pot on her head. Lot's wife is behind them, facing Sodom. Fire covers the sky over the city in the background.

Lot and His Daughters are Led Away from Sodom by Two Angels

"Then Jehovah rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Jehovah out of heaven; and…

"And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands. So he blessed him." Genesis 27:23 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jacob kneeling at Isaac's feet. Isaac's left hand rests on Jacob's hand and his right hand is on Jacob's head. Jacob's left arm can be seen covered in fur, which he used to trick Isaac into believing he was blessing Esau. Isaac sits on a bed surrounded by curtains of fabric. The food and wine sits nearby (left). Rebecca is standing in the doorway, leaning on a post. A man, most likely Esau, can be seen in the distant background, blowing a horn, and running with an animal.

Isaac Deceives Jacob and Receives Esau's Blessing

"And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands. So he blessed…

"Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, and they made an appointment together to come to bemoan him and to comfort him." Job 2:11 ASV
<p>Illustration of Job sitting on the ground, against a wall, head covered and bowed. Three of his friends sit across from him. One is speaking with his right arm raised, finger pointing skyward. Another rests his head on his fist and a third looks intently at Job.

Job is Patient as His Friends Bemoan Him

"Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from…

"Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel." Exodus 17:6 ASV
<p>Illustration of the Israelites collecting water from the stream that flows after Moses strikes a rock at God's command. Moses stands at the head of the stream with his left arm raised. The staff he holds in his right hand is touching the stream of water. Men, women, and children kneel at the stream and dip jars in the flow. Several women give water to a baby. A man drinks from a jar. Some men in the background look to Moses with arms raised in a gesture of worship. Mountains are pictured in the background.

Moses Strikes the Rock and Water Flows in the Desert

"Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there…

Illustration of the High Priest, most likely Aaron, in the Holy of Holies, holding the Ten Commandments. The Ark of the Covenant sits in the back.The Table of Showbread sits on the right with twelve loaves of bread on top. The Golden Candlestick is on the left with its seven lit flames. The Altar of Perfumes is in the center and incense is burning on it.

Inside the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle

Illustration of the High Priest, most likely Aaron, in the Holy of Holies, holding the Ten Commandments.…

"And they came unto the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it upon a staff between two; they brought also of the pomegranates, and of the figs. That place was called the valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster which the children of Israel cut down from thence. And they returned from spying out the land at the end of forty days." Numbers 13:23-25 ASV
<p>Illustration of the twelve spies, including Joshua and Caleb, returning from the land of Canaan. They are carrying the grape clusters and other fruits they took from the land. Three men are pictured. The man in front is waving to Moses and the people. Moses can be seen in the background and is known because he is pictured with horns. The third man is carrying a basket on his head.

Joshua and Caleb Return from Canaan with the Other Spies

"And they came unto the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes,…

"And she went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on the portion of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, Jehovah be with you. And they answered him, Jehovah bless thee. Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this? And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:" Ruth 2:3-6 ASV
<p>Illustration of Ruth gleaning grain in the fields of Boaz. She is on her knees at the feet of Boaz, who walks with a staff and a dog behind him. His servant tells him about Ruth. Four men and women, also gleaning, watch in the background. A small town and some trees are pictured in the background.

Ruth Meets Boaz While Gleaning in the Fields

"And she went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on the…

"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…

"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 went up from thence unto Beth-el; and as he was going up by the way, there came forth young lads out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou baldhead; go up, thou baldhead. And he looked behind him and saw them, and cursed them in the name of Jehovah. And there came forth two she-bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two lads of them." 2 Kings 2:23-24 ASV
<p>Illustration of Elisha, right hand raised, cursing several young boys who are mocking him and calling him "Baldhead!". The boys are pointing and laughing, but two bears are emerging from the woods, mouths open, next to them. One boy has fallen down. City walls are pictured in the background.

Elisha Curses Rude Boys and They are Mauled by Bears

"And he went up from thence unto Beth-el; and as he was going up by the way, there came forth young…

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…