Why the LORD Will Not Abandon His People in Midrash Shmuel

"For the LORD will not abandon His people, etc." (ibid. [1 Samuel 12:22]). One verse says, "For the LORD will not abandon His people for the sake of His great name," and another verse says, "[For the LORD will not abandon His people,] neither will He forsake His inheritance" (Psalms 94:14). Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachman said: Sometimes He acts for the sake of His name, and sometimes He acts for the sake of His people and His inheritance. Outside the Land — for His people and His inheritance; in the Land of Israel — for the sake of His great name. Rabbi Reuven said: He always acts for the sake of His name. This is what is written, "For Mine own sake, for Mine own sake, will I do it, etc." (Isaiah 48:11). "For the LORD has been pleased to make [you a people unto Himself], etc." — Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Nechemiah and the Rabbis. Rabbi Yehuda says: "Pleased" (ho'il) means nothing but "beginning," as you say, "And now let it please You (ho'el) to bless the house of Your servant, etc." (2 Samuel 7:29). Rabbi Nechemiah says: "Pleased" (ho'il) means nothing but "lodging," as you say, "Be content (ho'el), I pray you, and tarry all night, and let your heart be merry" (Judges 19:6). And the Rabbis say: "Pleased" (ho'il) means nothing but an oath, as you say, "And Moses was content (va-yo'el) to dwell with the man" (Exodus 2:21); "And Saul adjured (va-yo'el) the people, saying" (1 Samuel 14:24); "Be content (ho'el), and take two talents" (2 Kings 5:23). Rabbi Yehoshua of Sikhnin in the name of Rabbi Levi: "Pleased" (ho'il) means nothing but reproof, as you say, "And now be pleased (ho'ilu) to look upon me, etc." (Job 6:28).