"Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God"
Reverse side of the First Committee U.S. seal proposal.
The first committee consisted of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams.
Franklin chose an allegorical scene from Exodus, described in his notes as "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 reaching to Moses, to express that he acts by Command of the Deity." Motto, "Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God."