Analysis The midrashic exegesis that commenced in 4:1–12* continues in vv. 13–25*, with citations from Gen 17:5* and 15:5*. The center of attention shifts from Abraham to the recipients of the promise1 given to his descendants. Whereas the key words in the preceding pericope were “work,” “circumcision,” and “uncircumcision,” the theme here shifts to the “promise” (ἐπαγγελία, 4 times; “to promise,” ἐπαγγέλλομαι, once ) of an “inheritance” (κληρονόμος, twice) granted to Abraham and his