7:1-2. The beginning of not only the verse, but chapter seven, is an individual lament—the first words being, “Woe is me!” The individuality and focus on the prophet’s point of view is an interesting way to start the chapter out considering that his lament is for the nation of Israel. It almost gives the feeling that he is the only one feeling sorrowful about the forthcoming destruction. That idea is strengthened through what proceeds in the end of the first verse through the second verse. If the people are as wicked as Micah states, it makes sense that his lament would be personal—as the wicked person does not always (or possibly ever) realize the folly of their way enough to notice the destruction that will come as a result of their actions. …show more content…
As aforementioned in the above paragraph, the point of view is now communal. He’s speaking as Israel, no longer as himself. Although I mentioned in my first journal that I thought verse nine was a personal admission of guilt, after further reading into the text, I actually think that it is still personal, but contrarily, it’s not the author admitting his personal sin, but rather the entire nation repenting/confessing. These verses are important to the future restoration of the nation. You see in the end of verse nine that after announcing their sin and confessing of it, they will yet again—in the future—be able to see God’s righteousness. These verses seem to start to resolve the wickedness of the verses 1-6, as there will be an end to their strife. Because of their repentance and God’s loving nature to forgive them, in the future, those who come against them will no longer prevail. The people seem to be admitting that they realize the power of God and the power of admitting that they were wrong and that God was powerful all along. This seems to be showcases when Micah pens, “And shame will cover her who said to me, ‘Where is the Lord your God?’” This sentence shows that although they could say this before to the Israelites, now that they have returned, God’s power will be for them again and their enemies will regret their