"Obedience to God"
This is an interpretation of the proposed design for the first seal of the United States. Benjamin Franklin suggested it, but it was ultimately not used. The caption reads: "Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God." Religious beliefs were often used to justify colonial rebellion.
The image on the seal shows Moses standing on the Shore, and extending his Hand over the Sea, thereby causing the same to overwhelm Pharaoh who is sitting in an open Chariot, a Crown on his Head and a Sword in his Hand. Rays from a Pillar of Fire in the Clouds reach to Moses, to express that he acts by Command of the Deity. The motto, "Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God" wraps around the outside of the seal.
Source
Boundless vets and curates high-quality, openly licensed content from around the Internet. This particular resource used the following sources:
"FirstCommitteeGreatSealReverseLossingDrawing."
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FirstCommitteeGreatSealReverseLossingDrawing.jpg
Wikimedia
Public domain.
