Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Samuel 11:3

"And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days` respite, that we may send messengers unto all the borders of Israel; and then, if there be none to save us, we will come out to thee." — 1 Samuel 11:3 (ASV)

The elders - Observe the universal form of civil government among the Israelites, which was by elders (Judges 8:14, 16, and elsewhere).