For loe, I will commaund, and I will sift the house of Israel a∣mong all nations, like as corne is sifted in a sieue, yet shall not the least stone fall vpon the earth.
* 1.1 THe last conclusion, in the which the same threatnings against the Israelites are both confirmed: and also more plainly layd o∣pen and declared. They are confirmed, in as much as they are so often, and so earnestly repeated and rehearsed. They are laid down more plainly, because the manner is shewed, after which God will destroy and ouerthrow them.* 1.2 And here vnder the Metaphor of a winower or sifter of corne is threatned vnto euery particular Israe∣lite, and not onely vnto the bodie it selfe of the people, this most sharpe and grieuous punishment. For God will in such sort com∣prise al and singular the Israelites within this vanne or sieue of affli∣ction or punishment, that not one of them, although he bee neuer so small or little, shall escape, and shall be free, voyd, or dye without this tossing and shaking to and fro, and vp and downe. For hereun∣to appertaineth the similitude of a little stone, the which, albeit he be small and neuer so little, yet shall he not then fall vnto the earth, without shaking, that is to say, but that he shall be shaken, but that he shall be tossed and shogged to and fro with others in that same vanne or sieue. Iohn the Baptist, like as the Prophet Amos in this place, hath also vsed the similitude of a vāne or sieue Mat. 3. ver. 12. speaking of Christ his iudgement in these words: Which hath his vanne in his hand, and will make cleane his floore, and gather his wheat into his garner, but will burne vp the chaffe with vnquenchable fire. But here the manner how God will doe this,* 1.3 is declared. For all na∣tions are sayd shall be stirred vp against the Israelites and their kingdome, least that either the power or the populousnes of that realme or kingdome might seeme to be able to place them in safe∣tie against God.