To the end expressed in verse 2, he, as they all knew, had been most diligent. But he says, "I this day am weighed down with much more desire and anxiety for the welfare of your souls than I have hitherto been." No doubt the growing iniquities among the people had been a source of great sorrow to Jacob. The increasing pride of their hearts had come as a wedge between their duties and their pleasures. He consoles himself with the fact that they, as yet, had been obedient to the "Word of the Lord" that beforetime he had given unto them.