The “test” refers to the testing of coinage in ancient times as to its integrity or purity. Through this testing process, the assayer determined the purity of the coin. If the coin was found impure, the assayer rejected the coin. As an illustration, in Jeremiah 6:27-30 ESV, God gives the prophet Jeremiah the responsibility of an assayer (note vs. 27), when He instructs him:
“I have made you a tester of metals among my people, that you may know and test their ways. They are all stubbornly rebellious, going about with slanders; they are bronze and iron; all of them act corruptly. The bellows blow fiercely; the lead is consumed by the fire; in vain the refining goes on, for the wicked are not removed. Rejected silver they are called, for the Lord has rejected them.”
Thus through His refining Word (Jeremiah 1:7-9; Jeremiah 5:14; Jeremiah 23:29 ESV), God in the above passage, “tests” the spiritual integrity or purity of His people and has found them “reprobate” (Jeremiah 6:30 KJV) or “rejected” (Jeremiah 6:30 ESV) — “not standing the test.”
The evil habits and dispositions of the Israelites were so ingrained, that they would not yield to God’s generous offer of restoration. Thus God pronounces them as being like “reprobate” silver — not pure sterling, but a metal full of alloy having neither the superscription of God on their hearts or conduct. Thus God gives them up as incorrigible, and as a result, their adversaries would prevail against them (Jeremiah 6:18-25 ESV).
This should be a warning to all Christians whether Jew or Gentile — God will not tolerate a stubborn and rebellious people (Romans 11:1-22 ESV). This is why we must examine ourselves from time to time, so we will not find ourselves in a "reprobate" state.
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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