The Divorce of Israel: A Review   Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr., Th.D. A Preterist Redemptive-Historical Interpretation of Revelation       Tolle Lege Press and Chalcedon Foundation 1800+ pages, (2 vols) (hardback), with Scripture, subject, and name indexes   Bio:   Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr., is an academic with degrees from:   Tennessee Temple University (B.A.) Reformed Theological Seminary (M. Div.) Whitefield Theological Seminary (Th. M., Th. D.)   He also studied at Grace Theological Seminary for two years. Currently, he serves as a Research Professor of New Testament at Whitefield Theological Seminary. Gentry is an accomplished theological writer and conference speaker with extensive publications on topics including:   Theology; Ecclesiology; Eschatology; Theonomy; Six-day creation; Presuppositionalism; Worldview, and Christian Education   Additionally, he provides a Christian writing correspondence course. He founded and led GoodBirth Ministries, a non-profit promoting scholarly Christian education and research. Gentry is a retired minister of the Presbyterian church, maintaining his ordination with the Reformed Presbyterian Church, General Assembly.   What Others are Saying:   “The interpretation of the book of Revelation is a daunting task, not one that should be undertaken lightly or without an awareness of the diversity of opinion regarding its authorship, date of writing, and the myriad of approaches to the interpretation of its prophetic visions. Ken Gentry’s commentary is up to the task. While making a case for his distinctly preterist, historical-redemptive interpretation of the book, he respectfully and keenly engages interpreters with whom he differs. Among recent commentaries on Revelation, Gentry’s extensive, two-volume work deserves to be included as arguably the most thorough representation of the (partial) preterist approach.” - Cornelis Venema, Ph.D. President of Mid-America Reformed Seminary Author, The Promise of the Future   “Ken Gentry’s two-volume exposition of the book of Revelation is no doubt the most thorough treatment of that work from an essentially preterist point of view to date. Yet Gentry is careful to emphasize not only the historical setting of Revelation leading up to the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans in AD 70, but especially the redemptive meaning of the book, which is the divine divorce of Israel due to her idolatry which culminated in the rejection of Jesus. Thus the seven churches of Revelation are a warning to Jewish Christians not to turn back to an irrelevant and discarded Judaism. The seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments describe God’s systematic defeat of Israel and ultimately the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple by the Romans from AD 66-70. Revelation finishes with the majestic portrayal of God’s new wife, the church of the New Covenant which is the New Jerusalem. Both the theology and the historical details of Gentry’s magnum opus will appeal to interested readers in Revelation for years to come.” - C. Marvin Pate, Ph.D. Chair of Theology Ouachita Baptist University   “Gentry’s writings have largely set the standard for orthodox preterist writings but now, with this commentary, he for sure leads the pack. Agree with it, in full or in details, this commentary has much to offer all who care to grapple with his views. I commend it highly. You have not studied the Book of Revelation fully until you have done so.” - Jay Adams, Ph.D. Author, The Time Is At Hand: Prophecy and the Book of Revelation   “Gentry has devoted much of his scholarly career to understanding and elucidating the book of Revelation, and the present work is a veritable goldmine of exegetical insights. He offers here arguably the most extensive, vigorous preterist exegesis of Revelation in at least a generation. Non-preterist interpreters of Revelation must reckon with Gentry if they are to be taken seriously.” - P. Andrew Sandlin, STD Founder and President, Center for Cultural Leadership Author, A Postmillennial Primer   TABLE OF CONTENTS   Foreword by Martin Selbrede Preface 1. Introduction 2. Superscription And Beatitude (1:1–3) 3. Greeting and Theme (1:4–8) 4. The Commissioning Vision (1:9–20) 5. Seven Oracles (2:1—3:22) 6. The Court Scene (4:1–11) 7. The Seven-Sealed Book (5:1–14) 8. The Seals Opened: The First Six Seals (6:1–17) 9. Two Interludes (7:1–17) 10. The Seals Opened: The Seventh Seal (8:1–5) 11. The Seven Trumpet Angels: The First Six Trumpets (8:6—9:21) 12. Third Interlude: The Little Book and John’s Action (10:1–11) 13. Fourth Interlude: The Measured Temple and Two Witnesses (11:1–13) 14. The Seven Trumpet Angels: The Seventh Trumpet (11:14–19) 15. The Sun-Clothed Woman And the Red Dragon (12:1–17) 16. The Beast From the Sea (13:1–10) 17. The Beast From the Land (13:11–18) 18. Visions of Blessing and Judgment (14:1–20) 19. The Seven Last Plagues (15:1—16:21) 20. The Harlot of Babylon and the Beast (17:1–18) 21. The Fall of Babylon the Harlot (18:1—19:5) 22. The Final Victory of the Lamb (19:6–21) 23. Satan’s Ruin and Final Judgment (20:1–15) 24. The New Creation’s Coming (21:1–8) 25. The New Jerusalem Bride (21:9–27 26. New Heaven and New Earth (22:9–17) 27. Final Testimonies and Admonition (22:6–15) 28. The Final Attestation and Blessing (22:16–21)   Review of “The Divorce of Israel” by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr., Th.D.   Introduction   Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr., in his theological treatise “The Divorce of Israel,” presents a meticulous and compelling examination of the eschatological implications of the relationship between God and Israel as depicted in the Scriptures. Gentry’s work significantly contributes to biblical theology, particularly in covenant theology and the historical interpretation of prophetic texts. This review will explore the depth of Gentry’s argumentation, his methodological approach, and the implications of his thesis within the broader context of Christian eschatology.   Theological Framework   Gentry operates within a postmillennial framework, a perspective that posits the gradual, global advance of the Christian gospel before the return of Christ. His approach to “The Divorce of Israel” is rooted in this eschatological viewpoint, influencing his interpretation of Old Testament prophecies regarding Israel’s covenantal relationship with God. Gentry asserts that the concept of Israel’s ‘divorce’ from God, as a metaphor, has been misunderstood or undervalued in traditional eschatological discussions. Instead, he posits that this divorce is not merely punitive but also a pivotal moment in redemptive history leading to the inclusion of the Gentiles.   Redemptive-Historical Interpretation   Gentry’s approach employs redemptive-historical hermeneutics, which posits that the Bible’s narrative is not merely a collection of disjointed events but a cohesive story of God’s redemptive acts throughout history. In “The Divorce of Israel,” Gentry argues that the fall of Babylon, as depicted in Revelation, should not be understood as a future, end-times event but as an event within the historical context of the New Testament, particularly the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. This perspective aligns the events of Revelation with the culmination of Old Testament prophecies, where the failure of Israel to uphold the covenant leads to its ‘divorce’ from God, symbolized by the fall of Babylon.   Gentry meticulously traces this theme through biblical texts, suggesting that the judgment on Babylon (Israel) in Revelation represents the final act of God’s historical dealings with the Old Covenant nation, thereby ushering in the New Covenant era. His method involves synthesizing Old Testament prophecies with New Testament fulfillment, arguing that the destruction of Jerusalem was both a literal historical event and a profound theological statement about the transition from the Mosaic to the Messianic covenant.   Preterist Perspective   Central to Gentry’s commentary is his commitment to preterism, specifically a partial preterist viewpoint. In this context, Preterism interprets much of the prophecy in Revelation as having been fulfilled in the first century, particularly around the Jewish-Roman War and the destruction of the Temple. Gentry’s preterist interpretation of Revelation 18-19 posits that these chapters primarily concern the judgment on Jerusalem, not a far-future apocalypse.   He argues that the language of divine judgment in Revelation reflects a common biblical motif that describes significant historical and theological turning points, such as the destruction of Babylon, Tyre, and Nineveh in the Old Testament. Gentry’s detailed analysis includes historical accounts from Josephus and other sources to support his claim that the events described in Revelation align with the first-century Jewish calamity.   Exegetical Analysis   One of the strengths of Gentry’s work lies in his exegetical rigor. He delves into key scriptural passages like Jeremiah 3:8, Hosea 2, and Romans 11 with a keen eye for detail. Gentry’s analysis is not superficial; he engages with the Hebrew text, historical context, and the socio-religious milieu of the prophets. His interpretation suggests that the ‘divorce’ of Israel is not an end but a means to a greater end—the expansion of God’s covenant community to include all nations. This interpretation challenges the dispensationalist view of Israel and the Church as separate entities with distinct eschatological destinies.   Historical and Theological Contextualization   Gentry’s work is also commendable for its historical contextualization. He traces the theological threads from the Old Testament through the New Testament, illustrating how the concept of Israel’s divorce fits into God’s overarching plan of redemption. His scholarship reflects an understanding of how early Jewish and Christian communities might have viewed these prophetic messages, thus providing a bridge between historical theology and contemporary application.   Implications for Eschatology   The implications of Gentry’s thesis are profound for eschatological studies. By reframing the ‘divorce’ as a redemptive act, Gentry challenges the pessimistic interpretations that view Israel’s chastisement solely as judgment. Instead, he offers a hopeful perspective where Israel’s national identity is transformed and expanded within the universal body of Christ. This perspective not only aligns with postmillennial optimism but also with a more inclusive ecclesiology.   Critical Engagement with Diverse Perspectives   Gentry does not shy away from engaging with opposing views, particularly those from dispensational theology. He critiques these views with respect but with scholarly precision, arguing that they often fail to account for the full breadth of scriptural evidence regarding the continuity between Israel and the Church. His arguments are bolstered by references to patristic interpretations and reformed theological traditions, providing a robust defense of his position.   Conclusion   “The Divorce of Israel” by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr., is a pivotal work in Christian eschatology. The book’s academic depth, coupled with its potential to reshape evangelical thought on the role of Israel in biblical prophecy, makes it an indispensable resource. Gentry’s work invites theologians, scholars, and lay readers alike to reconsider traditional interpretations through a lens that sees continuity and hope in God’s covenantal dealings with His people. His scholarship enriches the academic discourse and promotes a theology of hope and inclusion, which is particularly relevant in today’s global Christian context. Thus, Gentry’s “The Divorce of Israel” is highly recommended for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of biblical prophecy and covenant theology. Moreover, with commentary, Dr. Gentry has made a mark for himself in Church History.   The above study was Groked under the direction of Jack Kettler and perfected with Grammarly AI.   “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)   Mr. Kettler is an author who has previously published articles in the Chalcedon Report and Contra Mundum. He and his wife, Marea, are active Westminster, CO, RPCNA Church members. Mr. Kettler’s extensive work includes 18 books defending the Reformed Faith, which are available for order online at Amazon.