Biographical: We may see in this long introduction a very sensitive man. He is taking a very long time in his introduction. Once again he is appealing to a command from God that he deliver this sermon. It appears that Jacob's heart is very heavy, not only for the "wounded" of the women and children, but also for those to whom he will address the condemnation. He appears to be delaying the inevitable, albeit with appropriate declarations of his authority and calling to do so.