Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 12:2

2 And now, behold, the king walketh before you : and I am old and gray-headed , and behold, my sons are with you : and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day.

Goeth out and cometh in before you; i. e. Ruleth over you, as that Phrase signifies, Numb. 27. 16. Deut. 31. 2. 2 Chron. 1. 10. To him I have fully resigned all my Power and Authority, and do hereby renounce it, and own my self for a private Person, and one of his Subjects.

And therefore unable to bear the burden of Government, and feel my self greatly at ease to see it cast upon other Shoulders; and therefore do not speak what I am about to say, from envy of Saul's Advancement, or from discontent at the Diminution of my own Power.

Or, among you, in the same State and Place, private Persons, as you are; if they have injured any of you in their Government, as you once complained, the Law is now open against them; any of you may accuse them, your King can punish them, I do not intercede for them, I have neither Power nor Will to keep them from receiving the just Fruits of their Misdemeanours.

i. e. Been your Guide and Governor; partly, as a Prophet; and partly, as a Judge.