In response to some of the other comments and the text. I think this story speaks to trusting God in a master plan. It seems easy to apply this story to us as individuals, but if you look at the whole story, for the individual, there is much suffering for generations that never resolved in their lifetime or their children's. I feel incredibly blessed, but I'm not sure there is milk and honey for all who trust in God until they die. Then again, maybe the milk and honey is is relative. Perhaps with a trust in God it doesn't matter what we have, where we are, or how much pain we might be in, we know that when we die we'll find the land of milk and honey.

You can clearly see the actions of a father and shepherd and his children/flock come to fruition here. God is bonding them to him almost by force. They have some choice yes. But it reminded me of my own family this spring we stuffed all the kids in a motorhome with no video games or friends. We took all of the temptations away for a time where we forced to bond even in what would be considered by most to be less than ideal circumstances. One of the best two weeks of my life. We created memories and bonds that fuel the relationship. I see God doing the same kind of trip here.