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The Days of Vengeance: An Exposition of the Book of Revelation
721 pages, Hardback, 1st edition (1987), 3rd printing, 1990
721 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
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436 people want to read
About the author
David H. Chilton
11 books31 followersDavid Harold Chilton (1951–1997) was a Reformed pastor, Christian Reconstructionist, speaker, and author of several books on economics, eschatology and Christian Worldview from Placerville, California. He contributed three books on eschatology: Paradise Restored (1985), The Days of Vengeance (1987), and The Great Tribulation (1987).
His book Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt-Manipulators: A Biblical Response to Ronald J. Sider (1981) was a response to Ronald J. Sider's best-selling book, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: A Biblical Study (1977), which promoted various programs of wealth redistribution by the government. Chilton argued that the Bible either does not authorize such programs or explicitly teaches against them.
His book Power in the Blood: A Christian Response to AIDS (1987) was primarily dealing with the Church's relationship with the world.
David Chilton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1951. At the age of one, he moved with his Christian missionary parents to the Philippines. At the age of 8, the family returned to the United States where his father became a pastor in Southern California. Growing up in California in the 1970s youth movement and hippie culture, he experienced a conversion to Christianity while listening to a missionary speak at his father's church. He began reading the Bible and teaching Bible studies. The young Chilton consequently became deeply involved in the nascent Jesus People movement, and started a singing group with his sister Jayn and some friends called The Children of Light. He frequently spoke, performed music, and taught Bible studies at Christian coffeehouses in Los Angeles, California region. He was ordained in the Jesus People Movement by Pat Boone.
Chilton came to prominence as a writer for the Chalcedon Report edited by R.J. Rushdoony after a Christian friend recommended one of Rushdoony's books. At the same time, Chilton discovered the writings of the Puritans, and was exposed for the first time to Reformed theology as a result of reading these books, and to the doctrines of predestination, election, and perseverance of the saints. After meeting Rushdoony, Chilton was asked to write a monthly column for Chalcedon Report while alternating speaking for Dr. Rushdoony at his church in Hollywood (which was affiliated with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church) while pastoring a church in Anaheim, California. At this time Chilton was also influenced by fellow Christian Reconstructionists Greg Bahnsen and James B. Jordan. He married his wife, Darlene, and had 3 children, Nathan, Jacob, and Abigail.
In 1981, after several years of pastoring in Anaheim, Chilton wrote his first book, Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt-Manipulators: A Biblical Response to Ronald J. Sider over the course of a month with a pencil and paper at a coffeehouse. Not long after the completion of the book, he moved to Placerville, CA to pastor a church for a year, during which he wrote a newsletter for Christian teachers and homeschoolers called The Biblical Educator. Chilton also used his influence to help launch World Magazine with Joel Belz and wrote a monthly column for the publication for years, which was very popular.
Although Chilton loved the people of Placerville and did not want to leave, he accepted a job offer from prominent Reconstructionist (and Rushdoony son-in-law) Gary North as a research assistant at The Institute for Christian Economics in Tyler, Texas. It was during his three year stay in Texas that North commissioned Chilton to write his two books for North's imprint Dominion Press: Paradise Restored and Days of Vengeance.
In 1986 Chilton accepted an offer to return to Placerville to pastor the church there. He continued to work in pastoral ministry, speak at conferences, write a weekly column for The Sacramento Union newspaper, was counsel for The Fieldstead Co. at an economic conference in Switzerland and wro
His book Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt-Manipulators: A Biblical Response to Ronald J. Sider (1981) was a response to Ronald J. Sider's best-selling book, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: A Biblical Study (1977), which promoted various programs of wealth redistribution by the government. Chilton argued that the Bible either does not authorize such programs or explicitly teaches against them.
His book Power in the Blood: A Christian Response to AIDS (1987) was primarily dealing with the Church's relationship with the world.
David Chilton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1951. At the age of one, he moved with his Christian missionary parents to the Philippines. At the age of 8, the family returned to the United States where his father became a pastor in Southern California. Growing up in California in the 1970s youth movement and hippie culture, he experienced a conversion to Christianity while listening to a missionary speak at his father's church. He began reading the Bible and teaching Bible studies. The young Chilton consequently became deeply involved in the nascent Jesus People movement, and started a singing group with his sister Jayn and some friends called The Children of Light. He frequently spoke, performed music, and taught Bible studies at Christian coffeehouses in Los Angeles, California region. He was ordained in the Jesus People Movement by Pat Boone.
Chilton came to prominence as a writer for the Chalcedon Report edited by R.J. Rushdoony after a Christian friend recommended one of Rushdoony's books. At the same time, Chilton discovered the writings of the Puritans, and was exposed for the first time to Reformed theology as a result of reading these books, and to the doctrines of predestination, election, and perseverance of the saints. After meeting Rushdoony, Chilton was asked to write a monthly column for Chalcedon Report while alternating speaking for Dr. Rushdoony at his church in Hollywood (which was affiliated with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church) while pastoring a church in Anaheim, California. At this time Chilton was also influenced by fellow Christian Reconstructionists Greg Bahnsen and James B. Jordan. He married his wife, Darlene, and had 3 children, Nathan, Jacob, and Abigail.
In 1981, after several years of pastoring in Anaheim, Chilton wrote his first book, Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt-Manipulators: A Biblical Response to Ronald J. Sider over the course of a month with a pencil and paper at a coffeehouse. Not long after the completion of the book, he moved to Placerville, CA to pastor a church for a year, during which he wrote a newsletter for Christian teachers and homeschoolers called The Biblical Educator. Chilton also used his influence to help launch World Magazine with Joel Belz and wrote a monthly column for the publication for years, which was very popular.
Although Chilton loved the people of Placerville and did not want to leave, he accepted a job offer from prominent Reconstructionist (and Rushdoony son-in-law) Gary North as a research assistant at The Institute for Christian Economics in Tyler, Texas. It was during his three year stay in Texas that North commissioned Chilton to write his two books for North's imprint Dominion Press: Paradise Restored and Days of Vengeance.
In 1986 Chilton accepted an offer to return to Placerville to pastor the church there. He continued to work in pastoral ministry, speak at conferences, write a weekly column for The Sacramento Union newspaper, was counsel for The Fieldstead Co. at an economic conference in Switzerland and wro
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 24, 2015
This is the book to read on Revelation. It is rigorously biblical--using Scripture to interpret Scripture. In this case, Chilton relies heavily upon Old Testament prophecy, with many New Testament quotations to show the prophetic significance of Revelation.
The book is preteristic, meaning that Chilton shows that most of Revelation is now history to us today, and occurred in the years leading to AD 70 and the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. He's not a full preterist, however, so he does believe and argue that the final chapters of Revelation are still in our future--there will be a second coming of Christ.
Chilton's purpose in the book is to show the meaning of Revelation for us today. While he argues that Revelation is mostly history now, it is still relevant for us today, just like the rest of the Bible. God has pruned the vine, so to speak, and has cast of apostate Israel, leaving spiritual Israel--the church, as God's new people and bride.
Israel is Babylon, Satan and Rome the beast, with Nero as the Anti-Christ. They all worked together to destroy the early church and the cry of the martyrs reached to heaven, where God answers them with this prophecy--telling them to wait a while before he brings a great tribulation upon Israel--specifically Jerusalem--which has the blood of the martyrs upon it. God's wrath is expended upon the apostate people in the very same manner prophesied in the Old Testament for apostate Israel.
Great, great work, which I highly recommend. Chilton is a gifted writer, and has a remarkable ability to draw upon biblical sources to show the meaning of a book that seems so impenetrable for our biblically illiterate age.
The book is preteristic, meaning that Chilton shows that most of Revelation is now history to us today, and occurred in the years leading to AD 70 and the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. He's not a full preterist, however, so he does believe and argue that the final chapters of Revelation are still in our future--there will be a second coming of Christ.
Chilton's purpose in the book is to show the meaning of Revelation for us today. While he argues that Revelation is mostly history now, it is still relevant for us today, just like the rest of the Bible. God has pruned the vine, so to speak, and has cast of apostate Israel, leaving spiritual Israel--the church, as God's new people and bride.
Israel is Babylon, Satan and Rome the beast, with Nero as the Anti-Christ. They all worked together to destroy the early church and the cry of the martyrs reached to heaven, where God answers them with this prophecy--telling them to wait a while before he brings a great tribulation upon Israel--specifically Jerusalem--which has the blood of the martyrs upon it. God's wrath is expended upon the apostate people in the very same manner prophesied in the Old Testament for apostate Israel.
Great, great work, which I highly recommend. Chilton is a gifted writer, and has a remarkable ability to draw upon biblical sources to show the meaning of a book that seems so impenetrable for our biblically illiterate age.
November 11, 2012
This is the best commentary on the Revelation. It cuts through the pre-millennialism, especially that of the popular dispensational variety, like a knife through butter with thorough exegetical brilliance. Through extensive footnoting to a comprehensive bibliography, Chilton demonstrate that his is an exposition of the historic Faith, from the Fathers forward.
With the availability and absolute readability of the volume, it would be difficult to consider anyone a competent teacher or preacher of any part of the Revelation without reference to it.
That being said, the Publisher's Preface is of little value. On does not need to subscribe to Gary North's particular vision of theonomy to subscribe to Chilton's clear exegesis.
With the availability and absolute readability of the volume, it would be difficult to consider anyone a competent teacher or preacher of any part of the Revelation without reference to it.
That being said, the Publisher's Preface is of little value. On does not need to subscribe to Gary North's particular vision of theonomy to subscribe to Chilton's clear exegesis.
April 2, 2008
Has a few spots where he's really reaching, but, read with a functioning brain, this is one of the most amazing books I've ever encountered. Read it.
July 16, 2019
Originally, I was quite fond of David Chilton's work on Revelation. The reason being, that Chilton had a way of being able to provide insight on certain passages or ideas that I had never heard of, without all the usual "technical-ness" of a scholarly commentary. However, I have come to realize that Chilton's work is flawed in a devastating way. It is flawed not in the fact that Chilton was a "full preterist" (as opposed to a partial preterist), but that he adopted and went about commenting through the hermeneutical lens called "interpretive maximalism".
One example of Chilton's attempt to maximalize his interpretation is by nailing down the book of Revelation as an attempt by the apostle John to establish forever a proper church-liturgy. A lot of inferences are made without actual certainties that those inferences or assumptions are even necessary. This attempt (to make the book an original means for liturgical purposes) is not a new one, as it has also been tried on other books, such as the gospel of Matthew. See R.T. France in Matthew: Evangelist and Teacher (p. 114-117) for a helpful critique on such attempts.
On why this hermeneutic (interpretive maximalism) is troublesome, I provide Keith Mathison's footnote from his studies with a reference to a critique given by G. L. Bahnsen on Chilton's Revelation commentary:
"One of the most well-known recent commentaries on Revelation written from a preterist perspective is David Chilton’s The Days of Vengeance (Fort Worth: Dominion Press, 1987). The reader will observe that I have not cited this commentary in this chapter. It is not that there are not helpful observations here and there in the book. The problem with Chilton’s commentary is that he uses a hermeneutical method, sometimes described as “interpretive maximalism.” This method of hermeneutics does more to obscure the meaning of Scripture than it does to explain it. One is able to learn a lot about the imagination of a commentator who uses this method, but very little about the intention of the author of the book being interpreted. For a very helpful critique of Chilton’s commentary and his use of “interpretive maximalism,” see Greg L. Bahnsen, “Another Look at Chilton’s Days of Vengeance,” Journey 3, no. 2, 1988, pp. 11-14 (also available online)."
- Keith Mathison in From Age to Age
One example of Chilton's attempt to maximalize his interpretation is by nailing down the book of Revelation as an attempt by the apostle John to establish forever a proper church-liturgy. A lot of inferences are made without actual certainties that those inferences or assumptions are even necessary. This attempt (to make the book an original means for liturgical purposes) is not a new one, as it has also been tried on other books, such as the gospel of Matthew. See R.T. France in Matthew: Evangelist and Teacher (p. 114-117) for a helpful critique on such attempts.
On why this hermeneutic (interpretive maximalism) is troublesome, I provide Keith Mathison's footnote from his studies with a reference to a critique given by G. L. Bahnsen on Chilton's Revelation commentary:
"One of the most well-known recent commentaries on Revelation written from a preterist perspective is David Chilton’s The Days of Vengeance (Fort Worth: Dominion Press, 1987). The reader will observe that I have not cited this commentary in this chapter. It is not that there are not helpful observations here and there in the book. The problem with Chilton’s commentary is that he uses a hermeneutical method, sometimes described as “interpretive maximalism.” This method of hermeneutics does more to obscure the meaning of Scripture than it does to explain it. One is able to learn a lot about the imagination of a commentator who uses this method, but very little about the intention of the author of the book being interpreted. For a very helpful critique of Chilton’s commentary and his use of “interpretive maximalism,” see Greg L. Bahnsen, “Another Look at Chilton’s Days of Vengeance,” Journey 3, no. 2, 1988, pp. 11-14 (also available online)."
- Keith Mathison in From Age to Age
May 12, 2009
Excellent.
October 28, 2021
A lot of weird stuff, the hermeneutics displayed are a little uncomfortable to call biblical. There was some things I found helpful but wouldn’t recommend this book as an accurate representative of the partial preterist view.
September 4, 2017
The finest treatment of Revelation I've encountered so far. The gushing preface only exaggerates a little; this book should not be ignored, but rather re-read. I can't say I agree with Chilton's every conclusion, but his hermeneutic strikes me as reasonable and consistent (qualities too rare in eschatological studies).
May 16, 2016
The book of Revelation is perhaps the most popular and most misunderstood book in the Bible. Believers and non-believers alike have produced countless interpretations and theories about its meaning that will leave one bewildered and skeptical that any true understanding of this book can be reached.
Chilton's commentary is a verse by verse exposition of the book of Revelation and suggests that if we are to properly understand the book we must be thoroughly acquainted with the Old Testament. The key to understanding Revelation is not the morning newspaper, prophecy gurus, or the individual/collective imagination of man, but rather the Bible itself. Crazy, right? Indeed it is astounding that many sincere and faithful Christians look to Scripture to interpret Scripture in almost every other book of the Bible, but when it comes to Revelation all bets are off and its interpretation becomes a free-for-all. The book of Revelation is part of the Bible and therefore its vast symbolism is rooted in the rest of the Bible, especially the Old Testament.
Chilton covers an immense amount of ground in his 600+ page magnum opus and I would encourage anyone seriously interested in the study of Revelation to give it a fair and discerning read before dismissing the author's conclusions. I cannot say I agree with every single point Chilton makes and in some places I think it is fair to say some of his insights are reaching and questionable (he himself admits to shortcomings and that this commentary is certainly not the last word on the subject), but on the whole I believe he has contributed a very important and helpful exposition of this difficult book. I will attempt to summarize his main points that hopefully can help us in better understanding the book of Revelation.
1. Revelation is concerned with events that were to occur shortly. The Apostle John wrote the letter to actual churches in the 1st century. (Rev 1:4) and he told them that the events recorded in his letter “must soon take place” (Rev 1:1, 1:3, Rev 22:6-7, Rev 22:10, etc.) Revelation certainly has continuing lessons and application for the body of Christ in all ages, but it was specifically written with application and historical significance to 1st century Christians and this fact cannot be overlooked.
2. Bible prophecy is not primarily focused upon prediction (although that can be an aspect of it). The nature and purpose of prophecy in the Bible is “evaluation of man's ethical response to God's Word of command and promise.” The prophets were “God's legal emissaries to Israel and the nations, acting as prosecuting attorneys...” The prophets would bring against a nation a “Covenant Lawsuit”. (Jer. 18:7-10, also Jonah's prophecy against Nineveh – this would explain why it didn't “come true”)
3. The book of Revelation is a contemporary prophecy of judgement against the covenant-breaking, apostate Israel. This is its primary focus, not the Second Coming of Christ (which will take place at the end of history). In Leviticus 26, God sets forth the blessings and curses God promises to Israel in its covenant with God. If Israel is obedient she will be blessed (Lev 26:1-13, Deut 28:1-14) and if she is disobedient she will be cursed (Lev 26:14-39, Deut 28:15-68) The curses are terrifying and Israel experienced these judgements throughout its history, but they were most fully expressed during the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD when God judged apostate Israel and its idolatrous religion of Judaism (a perversion of the Old Covenant not a continuation of it) and destroyed the remnants of the Old Covenant (including the Temple) to fully establish the New Covenant. Revelation is largely a book of history to the modern Christian as is the rest of the Bible, but that by no means makes it irrelevant or unimportant for the church today.
4. The book of Revelation is about Jesus Christ. It was written as an encouragement to the Christians who were suffering and being persecuted for the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were being assured that Christ is victorious and is on his throne reigning now conquering and ruling the nations with his sharp sword that goes forth from his mouth (the word of God, the gospel Heb 4:12) (Rev 1:5, Rev 19:11-16, Psa 110:1, Psalm 2) This is the confidence that we have in preaching the gospel and discipling the nations as Christ commanded us in the Great Commission because of the power and authority the Father has given him (Matthew 28:18-20, Psalm 2) We should not be fearful of the events described in the book of Revelation, but we should be encouraged that the Lord of all creation is in control of history and he is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28) and that we will reign with him forever and ever (Rev 22:5).
Much more could be said about 'The Days of Vengeance' and the book of Revelation, but I hope that this short summary of Chilton's commentary will suffice to at least pique your interest in delving deeper into the study of God's word.
Chilton's commentary is a verse by verse exposition of the book of Revelation and suggests that if we are to properly understand the book we must be thoroughly acquainted with the Old Testament. The key to understanding Revelation is not the morning newspaper, prophecy gurus, or the individual/collective imagination of man, but rather the Bible itself. Crazy, right? Indeed it is astounding that many sincere and faithful Christians look to Scripture to interpret Scripture in almost every other book of the Bible, but when it comes to Revelation all bets are off and its interpretation becomes a free-for-all. The book of Revelation is part of the Bible and therefore its vast symbolism is rooted in the rest of the Bible, especially the Old Testament.
Chilton covers an immense amount of ground in his 600+ page magnum opus and I would encourage anyone seriously interested in the study of Revelation to give it a fair and discerning read before dismissing the author's conclusions. I cannot say I agree with every single point Chilton makes and in some places I think it is fair to say some of his insights are reaching and questionable (he himself admits to shortcomings and that this commentary is certainly not the last word on the subject), but on the whole I believe he has contributed a very important and helpful exposition of this difficult book. I will attempt to summarize his main points that hopefully can help us in better understanding the book of Revelation.
1. Revelation is concerned with events that were to occur shortly. The Apostle John wrote the letter to actual churches in the 1st century. (Rev 1:4) and he told them that the events recorded in his letter “must soon take place” (Rev 1:1, 1:3, Rev 22:6-7, Rev 22:10, etc.) Revelation certainly has continuing lessons and application for the body of Christ in all ages, but it was specifically written with application and historical significance to 1st century Christians and this fact cannot be overlooked.
2. Bible prophecy is not primarily focused upon prediction (although that can be an aspect of it). The nature and purpose of prophecy in the Bible is “evaluation of man's ethical response to God's Word of command and promise.” The prophets were “God's legal emissaries to Israel and the nations, acting as prosecuting attorneys...” The prophets would bring against a nation a “Covenant Lawsuit”. (Jer. 18:7-10, also Jonah's prophecy against Nineveh – this would explain why it didn't “come true”)
3. The book of Revelation is a contemporary prophecy of judgement against the covenant-breaking, apostate Israel. This is its primary focus, not the Second Coming of Christ (which will take place at the end of history). In Leviticus 26, God sets forth the blessings and curses God promises to Israel in its covenant with God. If Israel is obedient she will be blessed (Lev 26:1-13, Deut 28:1-14) and if she is disobedient she will be cursed (Lev 26:14-39, Deut 28:15-68) The curses are terrifying and Israel experienced these judgements throughout its history, but they were most fully expressed during the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD when God judged apostate Israel and its idolatrous religion of Judaism (a perversion of the Old Covenant not a continuation of it) and destroyed the remnants of the Old Covenant (including the Temple) to fully establish the New Covenant. Revelation is largely a book of history to the modern Christian as is the rest of the Bible, but that by no means makes it irrelevant or unimportant for the church today.
4. The book of Revelation is about Jesus Christ. It was written as an encouragement to the Christians who were suffering and being persecuted for the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were being assured that Christ is victorious and is on his throne reigning now conquering and ruling the nations with his sharp sword that goes forth from his mouth (the word of God, the gospel Heb 4:12) (Rev 1:5, Rev 19:11-16, Psa 110:1, Psalm 2) This is the confidence that we have in preaching the gospel and discipling the nations as Christ commanded us in the Great Commission because of the power and authority the Father has given him (Matthew 28:18-20, Psalm 2) We should not be fearful of the events described in the book of Revelation, but we should be encouraged that the Lord of all creation is in control of history and he is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28) and that we will reign with him forever and ever (Rev 22:5).
Much more could be said about 'The Days of Vengeance' and the book of Revelation, but I hope that this short summary of Chilton's commentary will suffice to at least pique your interest in delving deeper into the study of God's word.
January 29, 2025
Lots of good points that were well made, some that were over explained, and still some that were concluded but whose case was not made. It's a bit of a slog but I did gain from having read it. The Conclusion chapter I think could have gone first and then would have been supported with his other chapters, so might be interesting to start there and then read the rest of the book (but that might be my style to make your point and then explain it.) I would caution it as not for the faint of heart but an interesting read for those who are pursuing a new view on Revelation.
December 13, 2019
"Days of Vengeance, by David H. Chilton, being a commentary on the Book of Revelation, I would normally use this kind of literature as reference material rather than reading it straight through. In this case though, at a friend's recommendation, I read the whole thing. It was long, and not an easy read, but interesting enough to keep my attention from June till December as I trundled through its pages.
One might assume from the title of the book that this is a book that might explain future events, and it does, but it is also written from a partial preterist's view of eschatology. The partial preterist's view of Biblical prophecy is that most of it has already taken place, including what many Christians refer to as The Great Tribulation (70 A.D.), The Antichrist (Nero) and most of Matthew 24. He takes literally and very seriously the statement of Christ in Matthew 24:34 "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled."
Also this book is written from a post-millennialist's point of view. Have you heard of the millennial period, AKA the thousand year reign of Christ? This is to take place in the future, right? Well, not so fast. Mr. Chilton and partial preterists argue that this is taking place right now, as it refers to Christ's kingdom in Heaven, rather than on Earth.
I know, I know, if you were raised in any of the evangelistic fundamentalist churches you have probably not been taught this, as I wasn't, and have been taught an entirely different order of last days events, as I was. Honestly the main thing I have learned is that there are many viewpoints of eschatology, and each side can use scripture (sometimes the same verses) to blow more holes in the other side's argument than a hunk of Swiss cheese. It's ok. Family members disagree sometimes. As long as we find common ground on our means of Salvation, meaning Jesus Christ, these other things tend to sort themselves out.
So if The Revelation is not so much a book of future events prophecy, what is it? The author contends, and rightly so, that The Revelation is a book of worship. It is liturgical, based on Old Testament patterns for worshiping God. It pulls back the curtain in Heaven, and allows us to see God's throne, the sea of glass, and strange creatures, angels and those who have died for the faith worship and interact with the Creator.
If you can read "Days of Vengeance" with an open mind and allow for challenges to your points of view, you might enjoy this book. If you are set in your ways, maybe you should leave it alone. Anyway, sorry to be so wordy. I figure if it took me six months to read it, I could write more than a line or two about it.
One might assume from the title of the book that this is a book that might explain future events, and it does, but it is also written from a partial preterist's view of eschatology. The partial preterist's view of Biblical prophecy is that most of it has already taken place, including what many Christians refer to as The Great Tribulation (70 A.D.), The Antichrist (Nero) and most of Matthew 24. He takes literally and very seriously the statement of Christ in Matthew 24:34 "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled."
Also this book is written from a post-millennialist's point of view. Have you heard of the millennial period, AKA the thousand year reign of Christ? This is to take place in the future, right? Well, not so fast. Mr. Chilton and partial preterists argue that this is taking place right now, as it refers to Christ's kingdom in Heaven, rather than on Earth.
I know, I know, if you were raised in any of the evangelistic fundamentalist churches you have probably not been taught this, as I wasn't, and have been taught an entirely different order of last days events, as I was. Honestly the main thing I have learned is that there are many viewpoints of eschatology, and each side can use scripture (sometimes the same verses) to blow more holes in the other side's argument than a hunk of Swiss cheese. It's ok. Family members disagree sometimes. As long as we find common ground on our means of Salvation, meaning Jesus Christ, these other things tend to sort themselves out.
So if The Revelation is not so much a book of future events prophecy, what is it? The author contends, and rightly so, that The Revelation is a book of worship. It is liturgical, based on Old Testament patterns for worshiping God. It pulls back the curtain in Heaven, and allows us to see God's throne, the sea of glass, and strange creatures, angels and those who have died for the faith worship and interact with the Creator.
If you can read "Days of Vengeance" with an open mind and allow for challenges to your points of view, you might enjoy this book. If you are set in your ways, maybe you should leave it alone. Anyway, sorry to be so wordy. I figure if it took me six months to read it, I could write more than a line or two about it.
April 7, 2011
I'm not a Marine,but HOO-RAH! One, because this is no short read. Two, the subject matter is far from what would be considered light reading. Three, the author has written what I consider to be a most excellent expository on the book of Revelation.
The author does a good job of pointing out the different areas where the Covenant Lawsuit (as put forth by Meredith G. Kline and later Ray R. Sutton) are applied throughout Revelation. The author does a wonderful job of showing that Revelation is primarily contemporary to its author, but still applicable in it's liturgy and admonishment to the Church to worship God on earth as in heaven. I enjoyed how he is constantly showing the Hebraic mindset of St. John by referencing the First Testament over and over when pointing out where St. John's language in Revelation gets it's source. To me this also shows that Jesus and all the New Testament writers shared this same Hebraic mindset in their thoughts and teachings as what they say agrees with what St. John wrote in Revelation.
While I found the information intriguing, I could have done without the in depth mathematical and astrological sections of the book. I did find that I did not agree with every one of the authors conclusions, some of which seemed to be a stretch, but overall I believe the book was well thought out and researched.
No one should consider themselves settled on matters of eschatology without having read this book!
The author does a good job of pointing out the different areas where the Covenant Lawsuit (as put forth by Meredith G. Kline and later Ray R. Sutton) are applied throughout Revelation. The author does a wonderful job of showing that Revelation is primarily contemporary to its author, but still applicable in it's liturgy and admonishment to the Church to worship God on earth as in heaven. I enjoyed how he is constantly showing the Hebraic mindset of St. John by referencing the First Testament over and over when pointing out where St. John's language in Revelation gets it's source. To me this also shows that Jesus and all the New Testament writers shared this same Hebraic mindset in their thoughts and teachings as what they say agrees with what St. John wrote in Revelation.
While I found the information intriguing, I could have done without the in depth mathematical and astrological sections of the book. I did find that I did not agree with every one of the authors conclusions, some of which seemed to be a stretch, but overall I believe the book was well thought out and researched.
No one should consider themselves settled on matters of eschatology without having read this book!
February 25, 2011
For those of you that read my review of Alan Bondar’s book (http://www.dubiousdisciple.com/2011/0...) and yearned for more, here’s a book you absolutely must read. Chilton (1951-1997) is no stranger to preterist scholarship and first-century eschatology. I suspect this book sits on the shelf of every preterist researcher. And it should.
It’s not a quick read; over 700 pages. A comprehensive exposition, going verse by verse through Revelation, showing its relevance to first-century happenings. It is Chilton who quipped, “Not once did [John] imply that his book was written with the twentieth century in mind, and that Christians would be wasting their time attempting to decipher it until the Scofield Reference Bible would become a best-selling novel.”
Some of the analysis goes a bit deep; one of Chilton’s most important contributions is a long, convincing explanation of how rabbinic numerology would have recognized the number 666 already as the mark of both a king and a kingdom in the Dragon’s image. They also identified, from Daniel, the Roman Empire as the fourth and final kingdom before the end times. Then, lo and behold, along comes a Roman emperor (Nero Caesar) matching this very number!
Do you really want to understand why first-century Christians were so completely convinced of Christ’s impending return? Then this book is a must-read.
It’s not a quick read; over 700 pages. A comprehensive exposition, going verse by verse through Revelation, showing its relevance to first-century happenings. It is Chilton who quipped, “Not once did [John] imply that his book was written with the twentieth century in mind, and that Christians would be wasting their time attempting to decipher it until the Scofield Reference Bible would become a best-selling novel.”
Some of the analysis goes a bit deep; one of Chilton’s most important contributions is a long, convincing explanation of how rabbinic numerology would have recognized the number 666 already as the mark of both a king and a kingdom in the Dragon’s image. They also identified, from Daniel, the Roman Empire as the fourth and final kingdom before the end times. Then, lo and behold, along comes a Roman emperor (Nero Caesar) matching this very number!
Do you really want to understand why first-century Christians were so completely convinced of Christ’s impending return? Then this book is a must-read.
January 22, 2021
Days of Vengeance is an incredibly detailed commentary on the book of Revelation. Chilton argues for the partial preterist postmillennial view of eschatology. He states that the book of Revelation was written prior to 70ad and much of the book deals with God's covenant curses being pored out on apostate Israel. He quotes historian Flavius Josephus heavily to show the history surrounding the events written about in the book of Revelation. Chilton shows how the symbols used in Revelation come from the Old Testament and can be explained using scripture.
Despite the books size it is quite readable and the commentary delves into many topics besides just eschatology. I personally found the commentary on Revelation 4 which deals with the importance of corporate worship especially convicting and beneficial.
Chilton's rhetoric towards those with other eschatological views, and those outside of reformed circles, is rather intense. Gary North's introduction and appendix are even more intense and could easily turn off those with differing theological views. Due to this I would not recommend this as a primer on postmillennialism, Greg Bahnsen's Victory in Jesus would be far better suited. Also Chilton's maximalist hermeneutics could easily lead to errors in trying to get more from the text than is actually there. Several of the quotes from James B Jordan seem to fall into this. I struggled to see how Jordan came to his interpretation of several texts.
Despite the books size it is quite readable and the commentary delves into many topics besides just eschatology. I personally found the commentary on Revelation 4 which deals with the importance of corporate worship especially convicting and beneficial.
Chilton's rhetoric towards those with other eschatological views, and those outside of reformed circles, is rather intense. Gary North's introduction and appendix are even more intense and could easily turn off those with differing theological views. Due to this I would not recommend this as a primer on postmillennialism, Greg Bahnsen's Victory in Jesus would be far better suited. Also Chilton's maximalist hermeneutics could easily lead to errors in trying to get more from the text than is actually there. Several of the quotes from James B Jordan seem to fall into this. I struggled to see how Jordan came to his interpretation of several texts.
May 23, 2020
When I see David Chilton one day, I want to give him a great hug. Reading Chilton has blessed my life indeed. This work has refreshed my heart with confidence in Christ’s gospel, unshakable joy, and a clearer understanding and grasp of the Bible and it’s story. I thank God for the commitment and example of Chilton to interpret Scripture with Scripture. This is the key to understanding the book of Revelation. As a friend who also read this work told me, he brings out so many gems that are hiding in plain sight.
This commentary will cause a paradigm shift in those who take up and read. It is just the shift the church needs. This work is also sprinkled throughout with little one liners that we can only call “Chiltonisms.” You know them when you see them.
Add this excellent work to your home library.
This commentary will cause a paradigm shift in those who take up and read. It is just the shift the church needs. This work is also sprinkled throughout with little one liners that we can only call “Chiltonisms.” You know them when you see them.
Add this excellent work to your home library.
August 13, 2012
Probably THE BEST Exposition and commentary on the Book of Revelation I have ever read (and in a way on the whole Bible as it positions Revelation as the final piece or "key" to understanding the whole redemptive process of God throughout all of history!!!!)
It's a long book (678 pages) but seriously worth the read if your interested in Theology, especially Eschatology. It takes you through the entire book of Revelation and without question identifies and interprets what all the "symbols" are the the Apostle John used in his letter to the 7 churches (and us today).
It completely changed my worldview and increase abundantly the joy of the hope of my salvation!
If you ever wanted to understand Revelation this is the book to read!!!
It's a long book (678 pages) but seriously worth the read if your interested in Theology, especially Eschatology. It takes you through the entire book of Revelation and without question identifies and interprets what all the "symbols" are the the Apostle John used in his letter to the 7 churches (and us today).
It completely changed my worldview and increase abundantly the joy of the hope of my salvation!
If you ever wanted to understand Revelation this is the book to read!!!
May 29, 2012
The best exposition of the book of Revelation I have read. Written from a postmillenialism perspective, Chilton strengthened my conviction that this is the correct view of eschatology.
Gary North's introduction is a bit over the top as he heaps praise on Chilton and scorn on all others, but if you can get past that you will find the book well worth the read. I also liked 2 of the appendixes, one by James B. Jordan on Christian Zionism and Messianic Judaism and the other by Gary North on Common Grace, Eschatology, and Biblical Law.
Gary North's introduction is a bit over the top as he heaps praise on Chilton and scorn on all others, but if you can get past that you will find the book well worth the read. I also liked 2 of the appendixes, one by James B. Jordan on Christian Zionism and Messianic Judaism and the other by Gary North on Common Grace, Eschatology, and Biblical Law.
Read
April 27, 2011David Chilton is the one that started me one this road of Preterist Eschatology. After reading this one and single book I knew once and for all that the great tribulation was forever behind us. My Preterist views can be blamed on David Chilton. It took many years later for me to become the full Preterist I am today. What got me more then anything in this book is his optimism for the future. We need more like him in the church.
January 5, 2016
This was early in my journey into the reformed faith, and I was very excited by Chilton's connections even though I may not agree with all of them now.
Many I still do.
This is still a worthy read for anyone who wants to gain more perspective on the book of Revelation. In fact, it's probably the best out there for changing your thinking away from American popular 20th century notions which end up with cobra helicopters other weird ideas.
Many I still do.
This is still a worthy read for anyone who wants to gain more perspective on the book of Revelation. In fact, it's probably the best out there for changing your thinking away from American popular 20th century notions which end up with cobra helicopters other weird ideas.
October 29, 2013
Get this book, read it and then read it again!
Once again outside of the interpretive maximalism of D.C the book is quite scholarly.
So far this is the greatest commentary from the partial preteristic perspective.
Once again outside of the interpretive maximalism of D.C the book is quite scholarly.
So far this is the greatest commentary from the partial preteristic perspective.
November 17, 2013
Didn't buy the astrological mathematical stuff, but everything else I thought he was solid. The book is available free on Gary North's website, as are a couple of other Chiltons. I highly recommend Chilton's stuff; some of the other authors there, not so much.
January 17, 2014
By far one of the greatest books ever written describing the reformed partial preterist view of the book of revelation.
September 7, 2024
CHILTON'S POSTMILLENNIAL FOLLOW-UP TO "PARADISE RESTORED"
David Chilton (1951-1997) was a Calvinist pastor, Christian Reconstructionist, and author of several other books on eschatology ('Paradise Restored: A Biblical Theology of Dominion' and 'The Great Tribulation.' He has also written such books as 'Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt-Manipulation: A Biblical Response to Ronald J. Sider.'
He states, "The Bible is LITERATURE: It is divinely-inspired and inerrant literature, but it is literature just the same. This means that we must READ it as literature. Some parts are meant to be literally understood, and they are written accordingly---as history, or theological propositions, or whatever. But... We cannot understand what the Bible really (literally) means unless we appreciate its use of literary texts." (Pg. 28)
He states, "St. John makes it clear from the outset that his book is ... about the things that must shortly take place... This clearly militates against any 'futurist' interpretations of the book. The futurists would have it that St. John was warning the Christians of his day mostly about things they would never see---meaning that the Book of Revelation has been irrelevant for 1900 years!" (Pg. 51-52)
He suggests, "The prophecies of the glorious condition of the Church, to be fulfilled before the return of Christ, are far from their accomplishment. We probably have thousands of years to go before the End. We are still in the early Church!" (Pg. 56) He argues, "It is important to remember that Judaism is not Old Testament religion at all; rather, it is a rejection of the Pharisaical, Talmudic heresy... it claims to be based on the Bible; but its actual authority comes from the traditions of men... Orthodox Christianity ALONE is the true continuation and fulfillment of Old Testament religion." (Pg. 336-337)
He observes, "It was by now [13:18] clear to St. John's readers that the Sea Beast was the Roman Empire. St. John now provides his readers with an identification of the Beast in a very different form ... 666 is the numerical value of the name Nero Caesar... The name Nero Caesar by no means exhausts the significance of the riddle... Six is thus the number Man was born with... he can be nothing more than a six, or a series of sixes. And this is exactly what we see in Scripture, as apostate man attempts to deify himself." (Pg. 344-345)
An Appendix by James Jordan is included, which asserts that "Christian Zionism is blasphemy. It is a heresy. Christians have no theological stake whatsoever in the modern state of Israel. It is an anti-God, anti-Christ nation." (Pg. 619) Another Appendix by Gary North criticizes the Amillennialism of Cornelius Van Til (Pg. 640-641).
This detailed commentary on Revelation from a Postmillennial perspective will be of keen interest to those studying biblical prophecy---whether or not they agree with all of it.
David Chilton (1951-1997) was a Calvinist pastor, Christian Reconstructionist, and author of several other books on eschatology ('Paradise Restored: A Biblical Theology of Dominion' and 'The Great Tribulation.' He has also written such books as 'Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt-Manipulation: A Biblical Response to Ronald J. Sider.'
He states, "The Bible is LITERATURE: It is divinely-inspired and inerrant literature, but it is literature just the same. This means that we must READ it as literature. Some parts are meant to be literally understood, and they are written accordingly---as history, or theological propositions, or whatever. But... We cannot understand what the Bible really (literally) means unless we appreciate its use of literary texts." (Pg. 28)
He states, "St. John makes it clear from the outset that his book is ... about the things that must shortly take place... This clearly militates against any 'futurist' interpretations of the book. The futurists would have it that St. John was warning the Christians of his day mostly about things they would never see---meaning that the Book of Revelation has been irrelevant for 1900 years!" (Pg. 51-52)
He suggests, "The prophecies of the glorious condition of the Church, to be fulfilled before the return of Christ, are far from their accomplishment. We probably have thousands of years to go before the End. We are still in the early Church!" (Pg. 56) He argues, "It is important to remember that Judaism is not Old Testament religion at all; rather, it is a rejection of the Pharisaical, Talmudic heresy... it claims to be based on the Bible; but its actual authority comes from the traditions of men... Orthodox Christianity ALONE is the true continuation and fulfillment of Old Testament religion." (Pg. 336-337)
He observes, "It was by now [13:18] clear to St. John's readers that the Sea Beast was the Roman Empire. St. John now provides his readers with an identification of the Beast in a very different form ... 666 is the numerical value of the name Nero Caesar... The name Nero Caesar by no means exhausts the significance of the riddle... Six is thus the number Man was born with... he can be nothing more than a six, or a series of sixes. And this is exactly what we see in Scripture, as apostate man attempts to deify himself." (Pg. 344-345)
An Appendix by James Jordan is included, which asserts that "Christian Zionism is blasphemy. It is a heresy. Christians have no theological stake whatsoever in the modern state of Israel. It is an anti-God, anti-Christ nation." (Pg. 619) Another Appendix by Gary North criticizes the Amillennialism of Cornelius Van Til (Pg. 640-641).
This detailed commentary on Revelation from a Postmillennial perspective will be of keen interest to those studying biblical prophecy---whether or not they agree with all of it.
January 28, 2020
The main body of the book gets three and a half to four stars - if only because it totally proves (unwittingly) that the Orthodox Church IS the Ancient Church. Chilton lists fact after fact and parallel after parallel which prove that the Orthodox Church worships and thinks exactly like the early church, while he himself admits that the Reformed tradition has departed from traditional Christianity in many areas (especially worship). He quotes Church Fathers and Orthodox authors regularly; often I find it hard to understand why he didn't convert to Orthodoxy post-haste (he did convert eventually).
Sadly, within the main work itself and much more so in Gary North's egotistical introduction and the appendices by other authors, there is the most stinking pile of materialism, worldly thinking, and unsubstantiated claims I have seen in a long time. Reading these contents makes me so happy I'm not a Calvinist anymore.
Interesting book - but take it with a grain of salt.
Sadly, within the main work itself and much more so in Gary North's egotistical introduction and the appendices by other authors, there is the most stinking pile of materialism, worldly thinking, and unsubstantiated claims I have seen in a long time. Reading these contents makes me so happy I'm not a Calvinist anymore.
Interesting book - but take it with a grain of salt.
May 2, 2025
It took me a bit of time to work through this exposition but it was worth the effort. Chilton presents from the Partial Preterist perspective (i.e. most, but not all, of the prophecies in Revelation happened in the past with the destruction of Jerusalem, the desolution of the Old Covenant, and the establishment of the New Covenant) with wisdom and intelligence. Chilton took great pains to tie in Jesus' words and Old Testament prophecies responsibly.
Like many Christians today, for the longest time, all I knew about Revelation was the currently popular Dispensational perspective. Several years ago, however, I saw a debate between a futurist Dispensationalist and a Partial Preterist and my eyes were open.
For readers interested in looking past the "left behind" phenomena to a strong, biblically based defense for a Partial Preterist reading of Revelation, David Chilton's The Days of Vengeance will be eye opening.
I highly recommend this book.
Like many Christians today, for the longest time, all I knew about Revelation was the currently popular Dispensational perspective. Several years ago, however, I saw a debate between a futurist Dispensationalist and a Partial Preterist and my eyes were open.
For readers interested in looking past the "left behind" phenomena to a strong, biblically based defense for a Partial Preterist reading of Revelation, David Chilton's The Days of Vengeance will be eye opening.
I highly recommend this book.
March 5, 2025
As someone who has studied Revelation on and off for a long time and would consider my self very knowledgeable, there was still a lot of very interesting information that was new to me. The author will often go into really interesting details often over looked, or look at the overall structure in ways that are often missed.
However, the author loves to rant a lot. You will know it when you see it. For example, he took one reference to a person kneeling and spent 2 pages going on about how we need to bring back kneeling racks and how Neo-platanism has infiltrated the church and there is no such thing as nature etc. He also leans way too hard into the replacement theology to the point of being antisemitic, and I think that really messes up a lot of his interpretation.
If you know how to skip his rants and be skeptical of his theology I would definitely recommend reading it.
However, the author loves to rant a lot. You will know it when you see it. For example, he took one reference to a person kneeling and spent 2 pages going on about how we need to bring back kneeling racks and how Neo-platanism has infiltrated the church and there is no such thing as nature etc. He also leans way too hard into the replacement theology to the point of being antisemitic, and I think that really messes up a lot of his interpretation.
If you know how to skip his rants and be skeptical of his theology I would definitely recommend reading it.
September 15, 2021
So thorough and leaps and bounds better than Rushdoony's commentary on Revelation for many reasons. Chilton leaves no stone unturned, which is what you want in a commentary, while simultaneously not getting lost in the weeds. There was very little that didn't make sense to me in Chilton's writings, but that doesn't mean my head wasn't getting scratched at certain points. The phenomenalism of Pre-Trib/Pre-Mil is probably what rocketed it to the heights it reached, while books such as this one were used as doorstops. I don't know whether that will change anytime soon, but if so the movement will be in debt to works such as this one.
March 29, 2022
Spent the past year reading Revelation with my family - bit by bit - with this as my main resource (along with James Jordan’s amazing Sunday School lectures- https://www.wordmp3.com/product-group...). Chilton’s book is a treasure - it’s like a full Bible commentary with practical application for today. We actually finished Revelation a few weeks ago, but I have been slowly making my way through the essays in the appendix, which are also worth the time to read and consider. Don’t let the size intimidate you - read a little at a time and share with friends and family - you’ll end up soaking in the whole Bible this way. It’s worth the time and effort.
February 25, 2023
Wow! What an amazing book. Clear, careful exposition of the book of The Revelation which is so connected to the rest of Scriptures that I continually wondered why I hadn't been taught this before. Beside just learning the text, I learned theology, hermeneutics, and history in a much deeper way.
I used this book as a main source for a series of Sunday School lessons from The Revelation. I treasure this book.
I used this book as a main source for a series of Sunday School lessons from The Revelation. I treasure this book.
February 7, 2024
This is my third time through this commentary. It is by far my favorite commentary on the book of Revelation. I only gave it four stars because there are spots that Chilton goes too far in his thoughts and therefore one has to be discerning. One great benefit to this commentary is the emphasis on letting scripture interpret scripture. The more you know the Old Testament the easier Revelation is to understand.
May 15, 2021
Extremely detailed commentary of the Revelation with exegetical references. Presented in a postmillennial/amillennial viewpoint and reformed theology. Very good argument against the popular premillennialism. Essays included as appendices added very little to the subject. Highly recommended for anyone interested in understanding Revelation.
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