Jeremiah 3:23

KJV

Truly in vain [is salvation hoped for] from the hills, [and from] the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God [is] the salvation of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Truly {H403} in vain {H8267} is salvation hoped for from the hills {H1389}, and from the multitude {H1995} of mountains {H2022}: truly {H403} in the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} is the salvation {H8668} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Indeed the hills have proved a delusion, likewise the orgies on the mountains. Truly the salvation of Isra'el is in ADONAI our God.

Berean Standard Bible

Surely deception comes from the hills, and commotion from the mountains. Surely the salvation of Israel is in the LORD our God.

American Standard Version

Truly in vain is the help that is looked for from the hills, the tumult on the mountains: truly in Jehovah our God is the salvation of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 3:23 delivers a profound prophetic declaration, sharply contrasting the utter futility of seeking deliverance from human-made constructs and idolatrous practices with the absolute certainty that true and comprehensive salvation originates solely from the LORD, the covenant God of Israel. This verse serves as both a condemnation of misplaced trust and an unwavering affirmation of divine sovereignty as the exclusive source of genuine help and restoration for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 3:23 is situated within a pivotal section of Jeremiah's prophecy, specifically following God's impassioned plea for Judah to return to Him after their spiritual adultery. Chapters 2 and 3 detail Israel's and Judah's unfaithfulness, likening their idolatry to prostitution and betrayal of their covenant with God. The preceding verses, particularly [Jeremiah 3:22](/jeremiah/3-22 "Jeremiah 3:22 - Call to Repentance"), present God's gracious invitation: "Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." Jeremiah 3:23 then functions as Israel's repentant confession, acknowledging the vanity of their former ways and declaring their renewed trust in the LORD. It marks a crucial turning point, expressing the nation's realization of their error and a hopeful turning back to their true deliverer, setting the stage for subsequent promises of restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of "hills" and "multitude of mountains" directly references the widespread and deeply entrenched idolatrous practices prevalent in ancient Israel and Judah during Jeremiah's ministry. The worship of foreign deities, particularly Baal and Asherah, was rampant, often conducted at "high places" (Hebrew: _bamah_) on hilltops and mountains. These locations were chosen because they were believed to be closer to the heavens, thus more conducive for pagan rituals, sacrifices, and fertility rites. This syncretism was a direct violation of the Mosaic covenant, which explicitly commanded exclusive worship of Yahweh and the destruction of such pagan sites, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 12:2-3](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Deuteronomy 12:2-3 - Command to Destroy Idolatrous Sites"). Despite these clear commands, the historical books, like [1 Kings 14:23](/1_kings/14-23 "1 Kings 14:23 - Judah's Idolatry on High Places"), repeatedly lament Judah's persistent construction and use of these high places, illustrating their profound spiritual rebellion and the deep-seated nature of their misplaced hope.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Jeremiah's message and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Futility of Idolatry**, unequivocally declaring that any hope or salvation sought from sources other than God—represented by the pagan altars on "hills" and "mountains"—is utterly "in vain" or a "sham." This underscores the impotence of false gods and human endeavors, a theme Jeremiah frequently returns to, such as in [Jeremiah 10](/jeremiah/10 "Jeremiah 10 - The Futility of Idols"). Secondly, it proclaims **God as the Sole Source of Salvation**, asserting that true "salvation of Israel" resides exclusively "in the LORD our God." This affirms God's unique power, sovereignty, and faithfulness as the only one capable of delivering His people from their spiritual and physical distress, a truth echoed throughout scripture, such as in [Isaiah 43:11](/isaiah/43-11 "Isaiah 43:11 - God as the Only Savior"). Finally, the verse implicitly serves as a **Call to Repentance and Exclusive Devotion**, urging Israel to abandon their reliance on false gods and return to a covenant relationship with the one true God, acknowledging Him as their only hope and deliverer, a theme that pervades [Jeremiah 3](/jeremiah/3 "Jeremiah 3 - God's Plea for Israel's Return").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **In vain (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to lie" or "to deceive," _sheqer_ here denotes an "untruth," a "sham," or something "false." When applied to the hope of salvation from the hills, it powerfully conveys that such hope is not merely ineffective but inherently deceptive and ultimately futile. It highlights the emptiness and powerlessness of idols and the spiritual deception involved in their worship.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _tᵉshûwʻâh'_):** This comprehensive term signifies "rescue," "deliverance," "help," "safety," and "victory." It encompasses more than just spiritual redemption; it refers to a holistic well-being, protection from enemies, and restoration in all aspects of life. The verse argues that this full, life-giving deliverance cannot be found in human constructs or false gods, but only in the true God.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** "LORD" (Yahweh) is the personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His self-existence, faithfulness, and unique relationship with Israel. The use of this sacred name here powerfully reaffirms His singular identity as the one, true, and living God who is in covenant with Israel, in stark contrast to the lifeless idols of the "hills" and "mountains."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains:":** This opening clause serves as a stark indictment of Israel's idolatry and misplaced trust. The phrase "in vain" (Hebrew: _sheqer_) emphasizes the utter emptiness and deceitfulness of seeking deliverance or help from pagan deities worshipped on "hills" and "mountains." These "high places" were centers of idolatrous rituals, and the verse declares that any hope placed in such practices or the false gods associated with them is not only futile but fundamentally a lie. The "multitude of mountains" highlights the pervasive and widespread nature of this spiritual apostasy across the land of Israel, underscoring the depth of their rebellion.
* **"truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.":** This second clause provides the definitive counter-statement, presenting the singular source of true salvation. The repetition of "truly" (Hebrew: _ʼâkên_) reinforces the absolute certainty of this declaration. It asserts that genuine "salvation" (comprehensive rescue, deliverance, and well-being) for "Israel" (the covenant people) is found exclusively "in the LORD our God." This emphasizes Yahweh's unique identity as the covenant-keeping, living God, the only one with the power and authority to deliver and restore His people, standing in stark contrast to the impotent idols.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 3:23 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the first clause ("Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains") is set in direct opposition to the second clause ("truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel"). This creates a sharp contrast, highlighting the absolute futility of one path versus the absolute certainty and efficacy of the other. **Metonymy** is evident in "hills" and "multitude of mountains," which stand not merely as geographical features but as potent symbols for the idolatrous altars and pagan worship practices conducted there. This allows Jeremiah to condemn the practices without explicitly naming every false god. The **Repetition** of the Hebrew word _ʼâkên_ (translated as "truly" or "surely") at the beginning of both clauses serves as a powerful rhetorical device, emphasizing the undeniable truth and certainty of both the condemnation of idolatry and the affirmation of God's exclusive ability to save. Finally, the verse uses **Hyperbole** with "multitude of mountains" to exaggerate the widespread nature of idolatry, underscoring the depth of Israel's spiritual rebellion and the pervasive challenge to God's exclusive claim.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 3:23 stands as a foundational theological statement on the nature of salvation and the exclusivity of God. It affirms that true deliverance, whether from national enemies, personal distress, or spiritual bondage, can only be found in the sovereign LORD, Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This verse underscores the biblical truth that God tolerates no rivals; any attempt to find security, peace, or well-being outside of Him, whether through idols, human strength, or worldly philosophies, is ultimately a deceptive and fruitless endeavor. It challenges humanity's innate tendency to create alternative sources of hope and emphasizes that only in a right relationship with the living God can genuine and lasting salvation be experienced. This truth is not limited to ancient Israel's idolatry but speaks to every generation's temptation to place ultimate trust in anything other than the Creator.

* [Isaiah 43:11](/isaiah/43-11 "Isaiah 43:11 - God as the Only Savior"): "I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour."
* [Psalm 3:8](/psalms/3-8 "Salvation Belongs to the LORD"): "Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah."
* [Hosea 14:3](/hosea/14-3 "Hosea 14:3 - Renouncing Idols"): "Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 3:23 offers a timeless and piercing challenge to contemporary believers, urging us to honestly examine the "hills" and "multitude of mountains" in our own lives—those things we might subtly or overtly rely on for security, identity, or fulfillment apart from God. These modern idols might not be physical statues, but they can manifest as career success, financial stability, social media validation, political ideologies, self-help gurus, or even our own intellect and abilities. This verse powerfully reminds us that any hope placed in these transient and finite sources will ultimately prove "in vain," incapable of providing the deep, lasting peace, purpose, and comprehensive "salvation" that our souls truly crave. It calls us to a radical reorientation of our trust, redirecting our gaze from fleeting worldly promises to the unchanging, all-sufficient LORD. True security, liberation from anxiety, and genuine flourishing are found only in Him, fostering a life of steadfast dependence and exclusive devotion that acknowledges His supreme authority in every facet of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "hills" and "mountains" in my life today—the things I might be tempted to rely on for security or identity more than God?**
* **How does the concept of "salvation" in this verse (comprehensive deliverance and well-being) challenge my understanding of what it means to be saved by God?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively shift my trust from worldly dependencies to the LORD alone in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "hills" and "multitude of mountains" refer to in Jeremiah 3:23?**

Answer: In this context, "hills" and "multitude of mountains" are symbolic references to the "high places" where the ancient Israelites engaged in idolatrous worship. These were elevated sites, often natural hilltops or constructed mounds, upon which altars were built for the worship of foreign deities like Baal and Asherah. The phrase highlights the widespread nature of these pagan practices throughout the land of Israel, indicating the nation's deep spiritual apostasy and their misplaced hope in false gods. This was a direct violation of God's commands in the Mosaic Law, which prohibited such worship and commanded the destruction of these sites, as seen in [Deuteronomy 12:2-3](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Deuteronomy 12:2-3 - Command to Destroy Idolatrous Sites").

**Why is salvation "in vain" from these places?**

Answer: Salvation is declared "in vain" from these places because the idols worshipped there are powerless and lifeless. They are human creations, incapable of hearing prayers, providing help, or delivering anyone from distress. The prophet Jeremiah frequently mocks the impotence of idols, contrasting them with the living, active God (e.g., [Jeremiah 10:3-5](/jeremiah/10-3 "Jeremiah 10:3-5 - The Futility of Idols")). Any hope placed in them is based on falsehood (_sheqer_, "in vain" or "sham") and will inevitably lead to disappointment and spiritual emptiness. True salvation, which encompasses comprehensive deliverance and well-being, can only come from the one true God, the LORD.

**What does "salvation" mean in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "salvation" here (_tᵉshûwʻâh_) is rich and expansive. It refers to more than just spiritual redemption from sin, though it includes that. In this context, it broadly means "rescue," "deliverance," "help," "safety," and "victory." For Israel, this would have encompassed deliverance from national enemies, protection from natural disasters, provision of needs, and overall well-being and flourishing. The verse asserts that this holistic and comprehensive salvation—whether physical, national, or spiritual—is found exclusively in the LORD, not in any human effort or false deity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 3:23, while a direct call to ancient Israel to abandon idolatry and return to Yahweh, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "salvation of Israel" that was truly "in the LORD our God" is perfectly embodied and delivered through the person and work of Christ. He is the ultimate answer to the futility of seeking deliverance from "hills and mountains"—any human-devised system, false religion, or self-effort that promises life or security apart from God. Just as the idols of Jeremiah's day were powerless to save, so too are all human attempts to earn righteousness or find ultimate meaning outside of Christ. Jesus declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Only Way")", unequivocally asserting Himself as the sole source of true salvation. The New Testament consistently presents Christ as the one in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). He is the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering deliverance from sin's power and penalty, which no pagan deity or human effort could ever accomplish. Therefore, the declaration that "truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel" culminates in the New Covenant's revelation that this salvation is fully realized in Jesus, the Christ, the very embodiment of God's saving power and faithfulness ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). He is the true "high place" where God meets humanity, not through pagan rituals, but through His perfect sacrifice and resurrection, inviting all to find their comprehensive salvation in Him alone ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 121:1

¶ A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

Psalms 121:2

My help [cometh] from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Psalms 3:8

Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

Hosea 1:7

But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen.

Isaiah 44:9

¶ They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.

Isaiah 63:1

¶ Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.