The Hebrew zachal (H2119) describes a crawling, creeping motion β like a serpent or worm β and by extension, the shrinking back of the spirit in terror or awe. In Deuteronomy 32:24, the text describes serpents crawling through the dust among the judgment of God. In Micah 7:17, the nations will 'crawl' from their strongholds in terror before the God of Israel. The word pictures humiliation and awe before overwhelming power.
The imagery of zachal in Micah 7:17 is a vision of eschatological reversal: the nations who once oppressed Israel will come crawling out of their fortresses like terrified serpents, trembling before the LORD. This is connected to the prophetic vision of all nations acknowledging God's sovereignty (Zechariah 14:16-17). The same God before whom the nations must zachal is the God who is 'a pardoning God' to his people (Micah 7:18). Terrifying majesty and tender mercy dwell together in the same God.