In the study of the events of the Bible, there are a number of similarities between the different periods of the history of Israelites as discussed in the book of chronicles. In addition, there are a few differences that can be noted. To start with, in the origins, between 2000-1200 before Christ (BC), Abraham and Sarah moved from the land of their fathers to Canaan as instructed by God as a land of promise but they met a lot of opposition from Canaanites regarding culture and other practices.
The Israelites also received opposition as they traveled back to Canaan from Egypt. Similarly, at about 1300 BC, there are all form of opposition and chaos in the subsequent generations of Israel leadership and their quest to settle in Canaan as follows: 550-530 BC is marked with the fall of Babylon under Cyrus, the 6th 7th and the 8th century is marked by the reign of the Persians, 530-522 BC was the conquest of Egypt under Cambyses, 522-486 BC is characterized with a fight of various rivals under Darius 1, 486-465 BC a struggle to conquer Greece under Xerxes, 465-424 BC was the suppression of Greece under Artaxerxes I, 423-404 BC was a rule under Darius II, 404-358 BC was the time Egypt regained independence, 358-338 BC Egypt was re-conquered under Artaxerxes II, 336-330 BC alexander the great conquered Persia. The 3rd and 2nd centuries were ruled by the Persians and the Syrians respectively. Herod conquered the city of Jerusalem in the 1st century from antigonos II and reigned until the time of Christy.
Additionally, there is family separation during the time of Abraham as they left their land and migrated to Canaan at about 2000 before Christ. The same also took place later on between 931 and 587 before Christ since the Jacob family separated as Judah took the northern side in 587 B.C while the rest or Ephraim took the southern Kingdom.
On the other hand, there are differences on the Israel form of leadership from one generation to the next. Before Saul became the first king at about 1200 before Christ, Israel leadership was headed by an invisible God through prophets such as Samuel. Later at around 931 to 857, Israel adapted other forms of leadership that included kings, judges and priests. It is noted that Israel suffered major invasions from time to time beginning from the period they entered Canaan, 1200 to 333 before Christ. At the time of Christ, Israel was literary under the leadership of the romans since they used the roman mode of governance and were answerable to roman rulers from 333 before Christ to 135 after Christ. Therefore, leadership or governance in Israel has differed greatly from time to time as discussed in Chronicles.
Bibliography
Arnold, Bill T and H. G. M. Williamson, Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2005.
