The term “Israel” here refers specifically to Judah in the sense that, as descendants of Jacob, they are heirs to the promises made to the fathers of the nation (see on vs. 1, 8).

Domestic animals know who supplies them their daily provender. Even unthinking brutes know where to find their food, and consequently acquire a certain attachment for the one who provides for them. But not so the people of God! They have been guilty of the most ungrateful stupidity, unmindful and unappreciative of their heavenly Father’s tender care. They have not even shown the intelligence of dumb animals.