Jacob reminded them that in the past he had been diligent in fulfilling his calling, but on this day he felt weighed down with a greater anxiety for their souls than ever before. He said that up to this time they had been obedient to the word of the Lord which Jacob had given them. But now, through the inspiration of God, Jacob was able to read their thoughts. He was able to discern that they were beginning to indulge themselves in sin and it was the kind of sin which was extremely abominable to Jacob and also to God.
Jacob said this latest development among the people made him shrink in shame before God as he came to expose what the people were doing.