ESVAnd now, behold, the king walks before you, and I am old and gray; and behold, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my youth until this day.
NIVNow you have a king as your leader. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have been your leader from my youth until this day.
NASBNow, here is the king walking before you, but as for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. And I have walked before you since my youth to this day.
CSBNow you can see that the king is leading you. As for me, I’m old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have led you from my youth until now.
NLTYour king is now your leader. I stand here before you — an old, gray-haired man — and my sons serve you. I have served as your leader from the time I was a boy to this very day.
KJVAnd 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.
NKJVAnd now here is the king, walking before you; and I am old and grayheaded, and look, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my childhood to this day.
Context Summary First Samuel 12:1–5 begins Samuel's speech announcing that he will no longer be Israel's judge. Saul will be fully empowered as king. The address begins with an opportunity for anyone with a grievance to accuse Samuel. The people testify that Samuel has not acted in any improper way. This establishes that what he says next can be trusted.
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Chapter Summary Samuel gives a speech to the gathered people of Israel, including Saul, the new king. This marks the end of his time as judge over Israel (Judges 2:16–19). He establishes a legal declaration that he is innocent of any corruption. After summarizing God's faithfulness to Israel, Samuel demonstrates that it was wrong of the people to ask for a human king. Yet he assures them of the Lord's faithfulness. He tells them to follow the Lord or be swept away along with their king. Samuel also affirms that he will continue to pray for the people and instruct them in the ways of God.
