Jeremiah 3:23
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.
Jeremiah 3:23
Jeremiah 3:23 declares that salvation does not come from “hills” or the many mountains—theestablished centers of religious power or pagan worship—but from the LORD alone, who is Israel’s salvation. The rhetoric rejects relying on external places or human strength for rescue, pointing to a God-centered source of deliverance. It emphasizes the futility of trusting in created places or political power rather than in God’s own steadfastness. The verse reinforces the call to a rightly ordered worship that acknowledges God as the sole savior.
This verse reinforces monotheism and the sufficiency of divine salvation. It underlines that God Alone (Yahweh) is the savoir of Israel and of all who put their trust in him. It counters the temptation to substitute magical reliances—landmarks, mountains, or political might—for genuine trust in God’s saving grace. Theologically, it grounds the practice of faith in a personal, providential God rather than in ritual or place.
In contemporary life, avoid placing ultimate security in geography, institutions, or wealth. Rely on God’s grace and sovereignty. Practical steps: rehearse daily reminders of God’s faithfulness, cultivate trust through prayer and Scripture, and make decisions grounded in God’s principles rather than in fear or convenience. When facing big life choices, ask: is this source of hope pointing me toward the LORD, or toward a substitute savior? Let this verse reorient you toward dependence on God’s saving power in everyday life.
Cross-References: Isaiah 2:2-4; Psalm 20:7; Habakkuk 2:18-19; Romans 1:25