Yahweh also has a controversy with Judah, And will punish Jacob according to his ways; According to his deeds he will repay him.
"Jehovah hath also a controversy ..." "The language of  Hosea 12:2 is technical."[5]  Just as in  Hosea 4:1, Hosea is presenting the case against all Israel (both houses) in the terminology of a formal indictment and trial, a trial at which the Lord is both the prosecuting attorney and the Judge.