I Samuel 10-12

“Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you” (v24).  Old Samuel was dying, and he warned Israel that a human king was a mistake, because “the Lord your God was your king” (12:12).  Yet, God in His mercy did not destroy Israel for their rejection.  “For the Lord will not abandon His people … because the Lord has been pleased to make you a people for Himself” (12:22). 

God did “great things” for Israel, showing mercy, because He wanted “a people for Himself.”  Their sins could not destroy His loving plan.