9:1 burden of the word of the Lord. This precise phrase is used twice in the Old Testament (here; 12:1). “Burden” implies that the prophet was under strong compulsion to deliver the message from God.

land of Hadrach. Known as Hatarikka in Assyrian cuneiform inscriptions, this is the northernmost city listed in vv. 1–8. The description here is rather general and a specific fulfillment ought not to be sought.

Damascus. The capital of Syria, Israel’s neighbor to the north.