“And the kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her (Babylon) will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, “Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.” (vv. 9-10)
Rulers throughout history have lived in luxury at the expense of others by waging war on them, enslaving them, taking their spoils, burning cities to the ground, and have not batted an eye at their plight. Babylon had not only acquired great wealth, but had deceived many through her false doctrines. She also had the blood of the saints and the prophets in her ledger, as well as all who were slain on the earth during the tribulation period (v.24).
Seeing these kings then so concerned about their economic loss (by weeping and wailing, throwing dust on their heads, because all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth v.19), is not to surprising, for they had been deceived as well. And while the earth mourns over the destruction of this economic center, heaven rejoices saying, “Alleluia!” (Revelation 19:1), "For true and righteous are His judgments, for He has judged the great harlot who captured the earth with her fornication; and God has avenged the blood of His servants shed by her.” (Revelation 19:2). Meaning, they rejoiced in the righteous resolution God’s judgment brought, not in the destruction.
This speaks to us on many levels; that God is a righteous judge, that He will avenge His servants, that He is mighty in power and none can stand against Him, and that we should rejoice and give Him glory, "for He alone is worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals."
The Truth: "Therefore behold, the days are coming that I will bring judgment on the carved images of Babylon; Her whole land shall be ashamed, And all her slain shall fall in her midst. Then the heavens and the earth and all that is in them Shall sing joyously over Babylon; For the plunderers shall come to her from the north,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 51:47-48)
