שמואל א, פרק י״ב, פסוק א׳

Following the completion of the coronation ceremony, a significant shift takes place. The entire nation stands united in their agreement surrounding their new leader. It is precisely at this moment of widespread consensus that Samuel steps forward to lead the people in a piercing moral reckoning. He intentionally waits until the new king is firmly established before offering any words of criticism. Had he spoken earlier, the people might have suspected him of acting out of personal interest, assuming he simply wanted to hold onto his own power or block the appointment of a king altogether [מצודת דוד, אלשיך, אברבנאל]. By waiting until the royal appointment is an undeniable fact, Samuel guarantees that his message will be received as honest guidance, completely free from any suspicion of jealousy [אלשיך].

The demand for a royal leader carried a double sting. It was a rebellion against the kingship of God, trading divine rule for a flesh-and-blood monarch, and it was a deep personal insult to Samuel. The people had rejected his lifelong guidance, arguing that he was old and that his sons did not follow in his footsteps [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. Choosing to address this personal slight first, Samuel speaks at the public coronation where the entire nation is gathered and fully agrees on the worthiness of the new king [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He deliberately addresses all the Israelites together so that the entire nation can serve as witnesses to his words before God [אלשיך].

Samuel begins by making it clear that he heard and fully understood every complaint directed at him [אברבנאל]. He emphasizes that he went above and beyond what was required to accommodate them. Legally, he had no obligation to allow the new king to take over the role of judge, since a judge cannot be removed from office unless a clear fault is found in his conduct. Even so, Samuel listened to every single detail of their request [מלבי״ם]. Only after fulfilling their demands completely, leaving absolutely no room for them to think he was trying to undermine their wishes, does he finally turn to confront their behavior and defend the integrity of his own years of leadership [אברבנאל].