Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But my people do not know the requirements of the LORD.

The animals do as they were created to do. They respond to the natural tendencies that God created in them. They migrate, they nest, they fulfill their purpose. Man, on the other hand has history and personal experience with God. Some have heard His voice, some have heard His law, and others have been warned by His prophets. Still, in vs. 5 b They cling to deceit; they refuse to return. vs. 6b No one repents of his wickedness, saying, “What have I done?” Because of the sacrifice of Jesus, believers have the strength and the grace to stand firm, to repent of sin and to walk steadfastly in the ways of the Lord.