Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Jeremiah 3:23. It’s a really powerful and somewhat complex verse, so we’ll go through it step by step. Here's what it means in simpler terms: “Truly in vain [is salvation hoped for]…” – This is the core of the message. It means that trying to earn or achieve salvation through good works, achievements, or even a strong desire to be saved, isn’t working. It's not going to bring you true peace and belonging with God. “…from the hills, [and from] the multitude of mountains…” – This is comparing different ways people try to reach God. “The hills” represent efforts that are difficult, arduous, or require a lot of effort. "The multitude of mountains" represents grand, impressive, and perhaps even intimidating approaches. “…truly in the LORD our God [is] the salvation of Israel.” – This is the key part. It means that God’s own plan for saving Israel – specifically, the people of Israel – is the real and lasting way to find true peace and belonging with Him. It's not about human efforts or achievements; it's about God’s will and purpose. Putting it all together: Jeremiah is warning against a misguided idea that we can earn our way into God’s favor through good things – like being rich, powerful, or famous. He's saying that true salvation comes from God alone, through His love and plan for Israel. It’s about trusting in God’s mercy and accepting Him as savior. Overall message: The verse is a call to focus on God’s grace – His unconditional love and forgiveness – rather than trying to earn our way into Heaven. It emphasizes that salvation comes from God, not from us. Does this explanation make sense? Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific part of the verse? For example, we could talk about: The context of Jeremiah 3:23 in the book of Jeremiah What “Israel” represents in biblical tradition