Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 12:1

AND Samuel said unto all Israel , Behold, I have hearkned unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you.

Whilst they were Assembled together in Gilgal. And this is another instance of Samuels great Wisdom and Integrity. He would not reprove the people for their Sin, in desiring a King, whilst Saul was raw, and unweak, and unsettled in his Kingdome, and in the Peoples hearts; lest through their accustomed levity, they should as hastily cast off their King, as they had passionately desired him, and so add one Sin to another; and therefore he chuseth this Season for it; partly, because Saul's Kingdome was now confirmed and illustrated by an eminent Victory, and so the danger of rejecting him was out of doors; which circumstance was also considerable for Samuel's Vindication, that it might appear, that his following Reproof did not proceed from any selfish respects or desires, which he might be supposed to have of retaining the power in his own hands, but meerly from the Conscience of his Duty, and a Sincere desire of all their good; and partly, because the People rejoyced greatly, as is said in the next foregoing Verse; and upon this occasion applauded themselves for their desires of a King; and Interpreted the success which God had now given them, as a Divine Approbation of those desires; whereby they were like to be hardened in their impenitency, and might be drawn to many other inconveniencies: Samuel therefore thinks fit to temper their excessive joys, and to excite them to that Repentance and Holy Fear, which he saw wanting in them, and which he knew to be absolutely necessary, to prevent the Curse of God upon their new King, and the whole Kingdom.