Samuel contrasts himself with his sons. Unlike them, he has been a good and fair judge.1 The wickedness of Samuel’s sons was a factor in the initial request for a king (1 Samuel 8:3–5). As a result Samuel begins his speech with an examination of his own conduct as judge (1 Samuel 12:1–5).2 He does this to underscore the fact that there was no legitimate reason for Israel to seek his replacement as judge and leader.
2 And 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.