The second half of chapter 1 (1:8–16) gives the reaction to God’s announcement of judgment. The first to react is the prophet himself, who is plunged into noisy mourning. His mourning will sound like the howl of a jackal and the moan of an owl, animals of the wilderness often mentioned in judgment oracles against cities (Isa. 13:21; 34:13; Jer. 50:39). His reaction reminds us of the later reaction of the author of Lamentations to the destruction of Jerusalem. Micah’s mourning is not triggered by a concern for personal safety but rather by the destruction coming to God’s people and the land he has given them. The prophet is distressed particularly by the danger that comes so near to Jerusalem. While it is difficult to precisely date these separate oracles of Micah, this oracle fits well wi…