Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 12:16

"Now therefore stand still and see this great thing, which Jehovah will do before your eyes." — 1 Samuel 12:16 (ASV)

This great thing, which the Lord will do. —Then, to give greater emphasis to his warning words, Samuel adds: “O, you elders, stand forth. I will show you by means of a Voice from heaven that this very asking for a king, though the Eternal has granted your prayer, is evil in His sight.” Their wishing for an earthly king was the crown of a long course of rebellion against the Supreme will. It was, in fact, the breaking up forever of the glorious ideal which had been for so long before the eyes of the noblest spirits in Israel.