The All-Seeing Eye is an important symbol borrowed by the Freemasons from the nations of antiquity. Among the Egyptians, Osiris, their chief deity was symbolized by an open eye. "The eyes of Jehovah are in every place," beholding and watching, the evil and the good. The "All-Seeing Eye" is a symbol of watchfulness and the eye of the Grand Architect. It is the symbol of his Divine watchfulness and care of the Universe. The All-Seeing Eye, whom the Sun, Moon, and Stars obey, and under whose watchful care even comets perform their stupendous revolutions, pervades the inmost recesses of the human heart, and will reward us according to our merits.
The "Rays" represent "Light". Freemasons are emphatically called "The Sons of Light" because they are entitled to be in possession of the true meaning and knowledge of this symbol. It is in fact the first of all symbols presented to the initiate, and continues to be presented to him in various forms throughout his Masonic career. But as Light not only came from God, it also makes mans way clear before him, so it is employed to signify moral truth. ( Proverbs 15:8 – Psalms 33:18 )
Biblical References
Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Psalm 33:18
Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy.
The Seal of the United States of America
The design of the Seal of the United States of America has been in the centre of controversy and speculation about the alleged hidden Masonic symbols depicted in it, particularly the 'All-Seeing Eye' on top of the Pyramid.
The US One Dollar Bill
See an article by S. Brent Morris on this subject.
You can also check out what Masonicinfo has to say about the Great Seal and the All-Seeing Eye on the US 1 Dollar bill.
~~ooOoo~~
This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
