17 I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply your offspring* like the stars of the heavens and like the grains of sand on the seashore,+ and your offspring* will take possession of the gate* of his enemies.+

72 to show mercy in connection with our forefathers and to call to mind his holy covenant,+ 73 the oath that he swore to Abraham our forefather,+

25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your forefathers,+ saying to Abraham: ‘And by means of your offspring* all the families of the earth will be blessed.’+ 26 God, after raising up his Servant, sent him to you first+ to bless you by turning each one of you away from your wicked deeds.”