Question

Compare the Greek and Hebrew views of history to watching a parade from a balcony or from the ground behind a fence.

Answer 1

The Greek view of history would be more like watching a parade from a balcony. There is a progression of events (items in the parade), and the view of the historian is as one who observes and recounts what he sees.  The Greeks viewed all world history as cyclical -- so maybe imagine the "parade" as one that keeps following a circular path.  Maybe new participants take over for previous participants, but history goes on, without having a final outcome.  

The Hebrew view of history, which transferred also then into the Christian view of history, is that all events of history have a purpose under God's governance.  But we can't always see that purpose or understand exactly what God is doing through the course of history.  So our view of history is more like watching a parade from behind a fence.  We can see some things as we peek through the cracks, as it were.  But we never get a full view of all that God is doing or where the "parade" of history ultimately will end.