A legal dispute or contention — used of human quarrels and of God's covenant lawsuit against Israel. The prophets bring God's rib (case) against a faithless people, like a courtroom scene.
Isaiah, Micah, and Hosea each open with God's rib (lawsuit) against Israel (Mic 6:1-2: 'Hear what the LORD says: Rise, plead your case [rib]'). The prophets are prosecuting attorneys for the divine plaintiff.
The covenant lawsuit (rib pattern) in the prophets follows ancient treaty structure: summons, historical prologue, accusation, verdict, sentence. God is both plaintiff and judge — a paradox resolved only in Christ (the mediator).