It is very difficult not to see the parallels between the actions of Pharaoh in the times of the ten plagues during the prelude to the Exodus with the actions of the leaders of Iran in their negotiations with the US. Why did it take ten plagues for Pharaoh to be convinced that he is totally overmatched in his fight against the Children of Israel. The scripture states that God hardened Pharaoh's heart and therefore lacked the free will to surrender. The reason this was done is arguable, but many suggest that it was done to stress God's providence, that it was all being performed under His control and not by his emissaries.
Similarly, Iran has been completely overmatched yet they negotiate as if they are the ones in a position of strength. One could suggest that they actually see themselves as the victors and their control over the Strait of Hormuz puts them in a strong negotiating position. Alternatively, their hearts are being hardened as was Pharaoh's.
The Iranians believe that with this geographic choke point they can hold the world hostage. Pharoah probably felt that Egypt's geographic position next to an uninhabitable desert and bordered by an impassable body of water put him in a powerful negotiating position to keep the children of Israel as slaves. Both tyrants thinking their geographic position puts them in a strong bargaining position.
Moses and Aaron tried to negotiate with Pharaoh to allow for better conditions for their people but Pharoah just made the conditions worse. Similarly, the US has tried to negotiate with Iran at each step yet they refuse to be flexible. Perhaps, their hearts are being hardened.
Ultimately, in a miraculous fashion, the Exodus culminated with the parting of the Red Sea allowing the children of Israel to escape the Egyptians. What miraculous events are occurring as we speak? Will the hearts of the Iranians be continued to be hardened in order to demonstrate God's control over current events? Is there a culminating miracle to be performed at the Strait of Hormuz? Will there be overt miracles in our story? We are living in historic times and perhaps we have the playbook that we can refer to. The only thing we can conclude is that this ceasefire is not the end of the war by any means. Stay tuned.
