Tread on the high places suggests a theophany, which is an appearance of God. This God is behind the upcoming historical events affecting Samaria (see Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 108:13; Amos 4:13). God rules over nations and nature. People also believed the Canaanite god Baal acted in this way. Descriptions like this highlight that the Lord, not Baal, is truly in control.