Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 12:7

"Now therefore stand still, that I may plead with you before Jehovah concerning all the righteous acts of Jehovah, which he did to you and to your fathers." — 1 Samuel 12:7 (ASV)

Now therefore ... —Samuel proceeds in his painful work. See now, he says, we have advanced this far in my solemn pleading. Stand up now, you elders, while I proceed. My innocence, as your judge, you have thus testified to, before God and the king, yet in spite of this you have wished to be rid of me, and of One who stood high above me—of One who has worked for you such mighty deeds, even the Eternal. See now, you elders, what He has done for your fathers and for you, this invisible King, whom you have just deliberately replaced by an earthly king.