Accordingly, Samuel didn't state, "Too bad, it's past the point of no return! There's no other option for me and there's no other viable option for you. God couldn't care less about you any longer." No, accordingly, Samuel urged the general population to be steadfast to the Lord and not to confide in useless symbols. Besides, Samuel guaranteed them that God would not dismiss them, "for his awesome name." And "God's name" here speaks to his character- - the character of a sparing God, not a noxious God. God had picked Israel to be his kin, and that decision would stand.