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Through the Eyes of a Spy

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Caleb was one of God’s chosen people — a people to whom He had given a promise. Caleb never forgot that promise — as a slave in Egypt, a spy in the Promised Land, a wanderer in the wilderness, or a conqueror in the hill country. We’ll see the promise of Jehovah God unfold through his eyes, and experience a story of God’s faithfulness – to a spy who trusted Him – and to each one of us who will do the same. 

586 pages, Paperback

Published March 9, 2020

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About the author

Kenneth Winter

53 books28 followers

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
1,066 reviews9 followers
November 7, 2022
A beautiful story of the perils of slavery, the forgetfulness of God's provision before and His already-answered prayers, and God's faithfulness as well as the faithfulness of those who endeavored to see life through God's eyes - a favor He grants to those who ask.
The story centers around Caleb, one of two faithful tribal leaders among 12 sent out to spy out the Promised Land - to get the lay of the land, a sample of what it produced, and the types and locations of different types of cities, villages, etc., and fortifications existing already. They returned, giving their report - 10 of them faithless, not believing they could defeat thee inhabitants when it was up to God to defeat them. They had forgotten that fact. Caleb and his friend Joshua exhorted the people not to fear the people of the land because God went before them and would fight for them - the victory of the battle was in His hands, not theirs.
Instead, the people became so angry they were picking up stones to stone God's two faithful spies. This was stopped by the declaration of God's judgment: for 40 years, one year for every day of the intelligence gathering operation of the spies, and until all people 20 and older - except for Joshua and Caleb - were dead - Israel would wander in the wilderness and be forbidden from entering the Promised Land. Some repented of their faithlessness - then disobeyed by entering the Promised Land without God, and suffered defeat.
For 40 years, they were miraculously fed manna, given water when it was needed, their shoes and clothes didn't wear out, but few of them noticed. Sins against God by some groups led to their deaths, some en masse. Finally, the time came for Israel to enter the Promised Land, with God leading them, and conquering them as the Israelites fought.
At the end, you see that this account, written by Caleb in this book, is Caleb's letter to a great great grandson named after him, exhorting him to remain faithful and obedient to God no matter how things seemed in the view of a person not listening to God.
At 85 years of age, when the time came to allot the territory to the various tribes, Caleb reminded Joshua that he had been promised a certain area by God, an area still inhabited by giants. He and his sons and his nephew attacked 4 different places manned by warriors 12 ft tall and won handily by the Lord fighting for them. Each young man was given the city where he led the armies under God. At 85, Caleb still fought with his army, strong as a much younger man through God's sustaining power.
The book has insights that are scriptural, insights I have not had yet despite having read those passages often in my lifetime. These insights were such rhat I stopped reading the book & just meditated on the particular insight. The first book in this series, "Through the Eyes of a Shepherd," was similar - though the subject matter was different, again, a familiar story had new insights in the book, things that made me put down the book.and think, prayerfully, about the message, the insight, that the author brought to life through his book. If you let it, the insights in these books will enrich your understanding of Who God is.
The afterword has a modern day parallel to the era of the book, and it is so true of the way people are - myself included most of all.
Also in this book, as is his habit, is a list of characters and how much of what is said about them is fictional. Another section lists all of the scriptures quoted (they're in italics in the book, btw). Also, the ways the timeline was altered to mesh Egyptian and Biblical timelines is noted. There are a lot of differences, and there is some disagreement about the Pharoah in charge at the time of the Exodus, because of this apparent mismatch. This is explained for the reader's edification and available to any who want to pursue it. Also, there is a chapter summary in back - each chapter is listed, along with a brief synopsis of the events of each one. Thus, as always, the author has been honest about every part of his work, and thorough.
I will omit any of the parts of the book that had specific incidents and the insights I got, because in the pleasure of reading this, God will tailor the insights specifically to your needs.
If you are not a believer but are curious about seeing the Exodus through the eyes of one character, please pay some attention to his faith and from where it originated. Like the freedom Israel sought, faith isn't passed to us through our DNA, although I believe most people desire freedom, even if they haven't a full understanding of the work it entails.
Happy reading! I am moving on to the 3rd book in the series now, "Through the Eyes of a Prisoner."
Profile Image for Lori.
201 reviews
November 29, 2022
Getting to Know Him

The character of Caleb is pretty well known by those who are familiar with the Bible.

One of the main reasons that I absolutely love biblical fiction is the invention of the part of The Bible character's life that we don't know. Caleb's childhood is no exception

I enjoyed seeing him as he could have been as a small precocious child and the friends he would have found compatible with his beliefs that were obviously grounded in a strong faith teaching and belief from small childhood.

The author's use of his imagination along with actual Scripture brings about full 3d personalities and they are likeable and lovable.

I thoroughly enjoy his writing style and I am looking forward to the next book
Profile Image for ArlaJean Wickes.
39 reviews
October 19, 2020
The Eyes of a Spy

WOW!!! What a book. I walked every step and sought every battle with the Israelites and found you and sorrow with them. I also found a.better understanding of the scriptures which I truly love to read. I am grateful for my Lord, Master, Savior, and Redeemer. He walks with me daily and carries me when I am just unable to walk anymore. I love Jesus Christ and all He does for me.
Profile Image for Dj Acrey.
323 reviews15 followers
October 24, 2021
Amazing way to read the Scriptures!

I really enjoyed the telling of this story from scriptures in this way, it made it a more enjoyable experience.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has any difficulty reading straight from scriptures, I plan to read more from this author.
1 review
September 15, 2022
Wonderful book

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a story of God's unwavering love for His people. He never gave up on forgiving and teaching His children even when the forgot about Him. It helped me to build stronger faith and trust in God. I am interested in reading other books by this author.
188 reviews
October 19, 2021
Another Good One

Kenneth Winter has written an intriguing interpretation of the story of Moses leading the Israelites to the Promised Land. Told through the eyes of one man out of many, the story made me feel as if I were on that journey.
10 reviews
February 11, 2023
A Captivating Read

I enjoyed reading about the Israelites journey from captivity in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. I especially enjoyed the examples of God's goodness, His power and his love for those who obeyed and trusted Him.
47 reviews
November 10, 2024
Faithfully Obeying and Following OUR GOD

Wonderful story of keeping our eyes on the Lord God as we Trust and Obey Him. God will never disappoint those who believe, love, and obey Our Mighty God!! I love to read the books Kenneth Winter writes.
2 reviews
December 12, 2020
Great book! Enjoyed reading and could almost feel I was part of the story! Recommended
Profile Image for Vicki Dilley.
6 reviews
April 30, 2021
Biblical

Follows the account of the Jews from slavery to the Promised Land! Very good read. I enjoyed reading this. Highly recommend
5 reviews
February 1, 2023
Love the detail on the journey of God's chosen people.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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