Jeremiah 3:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Truly, the mountains and their might are deceitful; only the Lord our God is truth. We have worshiped sin and offered sacrifices to wicked desires. To us, this message is given: Return, O wayward children. Moments later, it is affirmed that the mountains are indeed false. When we embrace the light, we come to understand the darkness. We have recognized God and discerned demons; thus, we shall perceive sin, not merely in words, but through deep conviction. God allowed them to understand through actions. It is essential to be aware of past transgressions. Again, it is stated regarding God: Through other means, you should have also learned from the heavens, the earth, and the sea; now reflect on what has transpired among them.

He refers to mountains and hills as they were sites in ancient times where sacrifices were made, which were pleasing to demons, and where temples and altars were constructed.

Truly the heights and countless mountains were illusory. Our expectations in the false gods we abandoned upon the hills and among the many peaks misled us.

Look, we are approaching you, for you are our Lord and God. Truly, the hills and the great power of the mountains are deceptive; indeed, in the Lord our God lies the salvation of Israel. Let the one who turns back declare this, having abandoned all arrogance and the towering heights of mountains and hills that led him to lift himself against God. Cast down in humility, let him affirm, truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel.

If grace is extended to only a select few, one might conclude that not everyone is tainted by original or personal sin, making it seem unjust to assert that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23) or that "death has passed into all men" (Rom. 5:12).