Hidden Details in Seek and Find: More Old Testament Bible Stories

When illustrating the Seek and Find series, as well as the 450-plus things to find, count and sort, it's always fun to add a few little biblical details to each spread. Here are some hidden things to look out for in our newest volume, Seek and Find: More Old Testament Bible Stories:

Abraham and Sarah

• This story is all about promises, so as well as the sky full of stars and the sand on the ground, Abraham has a star pattern embroidered on the hem of his tunic, just to help him remember! 
• He’s also made a wooden “Noah’s Ark” toy for Isaac, to remember another of God’s great promises…
• And did you spot the tree sapling in the background? In Genesis 21:33, Abraham plants a tamarisk tree to declare God’s faithfulness in his promise to provide a land for his children. 

Joseph’s Dream

• This spread features the sun, moon, stars and bundles of wheat that all feature in Joseph’s first dreams. And did you notice the two brothers hatching a plot? Maybe they’ve spotted the caravan of slave-traders on the horizon…?

Joseph in Egypt

• The story of Joseph is so eventful we just couldn’t fit everything in to a single image. But if you look closely at the pillars in the background, you’ll notice that Joseph’s dream interpretations have been recorded in stone: 

1. The sun, moon, stars and wheat 
2. The butler’s dream of vines and a cup
3. The baker’s dream of bread-baskets and birds
4. Pharaoh's first dream of fat and thin cows
5. Pharaoh’s second dream of fat and thin sheaves of corn

Animals in Egypt

• The Bible doesn’t mention dogs much, as they were never kept as pets in Israel. But in Egypt, they were used for hunting and as guard dogs, and were often present in homes and palaces. This breed is appropriately called a “Pharaoh Hound”!
• Did you notice the locusts around? There has already been seven years of famine, and these hungry insects are still hanging around looking for their next meal.

The Red Sea

• In Exodus 12:33-34, we’re told that the Israelites left in such a hurry that they took their dough before it was leavened and wrapped their kneading bowls in their clothing.  

Strong Samson

In this scene we’ve featured a few items hinting at other stories from Samson’s eventful life:

• Donkey bones, including the jawbone which he will later use as a weapon.
• Lots of bees, which will later make honey in the lion.
• Foxes, which appear in Judges 15.
• The city gates, which he carries up to the top of the hill.

Elijah and the Fire

• Did you spot the tiny cloud on the horizon? This is a little clue of the coming rains in 1 Kings 18:44, when God will answer with water after answering with fire.
• A single raven is watching the scene. It’s a little nod to 1 Kings 17:4-6, when God sent ravens to feed Elijah twice a day during the drought.

Fiery Animals

• As this story is all about God miraculously answering with fire from heaven, we thought it would be fun to have a fire theme with the animals too! These species can all be found in Israel and feature “fire” in their names! 

1. Fire salamander 
2. Firefly
3. Firecrest

Songs for God

• This scene depicts “the valley of the shadow of death” from Psalm 23. David is singing and “fearing no evil” as he walks through it, leading his sheep to green pastures, as he himself is led by his shepherd God. 
• We included wolves and bears (Syrian brown bears, once common in Israel but no longer found there), as we know from 1 Samuel 17:34 that David fought both of these predators in defense of his flock.

Brave Esther

• As Haaman is carried off by the palace guards, did you notice the silhouette through the window? A large, tall structure is being constructed…

Seek and Find: More Old Testament Bible Stories is available now! Download free crafts, coloring sheets, and more at seekandfindbooks.com.