Hear the word of the Lord, O people of Israel; for the Lord has an indictment against the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or loyalty, and no knowledge of God in the land. Swearing, lying, and murder, and stealing and adultery break out; bloodshed follows bloodshed. Therefore the land mourns, and all who live in it languish; together with the wild animals and the birds of the air, even the fish of the sea are perishing. (Hosea 4: 1-3)

The Lord has a riyb 'im. The Lord has an indictment against, a quarrel with, or a pleading among the inhabitants of the land. The meaning depends on context.

In this context evidence is cited. There is an absence of 'emeth (stablity, reliability, or faithfulness), an absence of checed (goodness, love, or kindness), and an absence of da'ath (discernment, wisdom, or knowledge) of God.

The pleading suggests that due to the absense of the preceding characteristics specific problems have emerged. These include 'alah (swearing or cursing), kachash (lies or deception), ratsach (assasination or murder), ganab (stealthy behavior or stealing), and na'aph (adultery or idolatry).

The context suggests a cause and effect relationship. The absence of certain qualities has resulted in specific outcomes.

The problems are not presented as a form of external punishment, but rather as the natural outcome of behavior and choice.