And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.
The Lord was kind to them, felt sorry for them, and cared about them. This was because of the promise He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He didn't want to destroy them or remove them from His side.