1 Samuel 12:2
And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day. And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day.
The king walking before the people is Saul now leading Israel. Samuel describes himself as old and grayheaded, marking his advanced age. His statement that his sons are with the people places them among the nation. His statement that he has walked before the people from childhood to that day marks his long public service among them.
His age helps explain why the elders' demand for a king felt like an effort to set him aside, although no one had complained about his integrity or administration. His words provide the setting for and introduce his appeal for the people to testify about his conduct, asking whether he had ever defrauded or oppressed anyone or taken a bribe. His faithful life and integrity were known to the nation, and the people affirmed his integrity in response. His long record of faithful public service stands as an example of leadership devoted to God's glory and the people's good.