4:4 let no one contend. Or, “let no man bring a charge.” According to the Mosaic law, the priests were entrusted with the task of rendering legal judgments (Deut. 17:9–13). But because of the general lack of knowledge and respect for God’s law in Israel of Hosea’s time, there was no point in bringing charges against another, because the verdicts would not be honored (the people were “like those who contend with the priest” [text note]; i.e., did not respect his decisions and teaching).