Rev 18:9-10 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 9. And the kings of the earth . This verse commences the description of the lamentation over the fall of the mystical Babylon. Who have committed fornication . That is, who have been seduced by her from the true God, and have been led into practical idolatry. . The kings of the earth seem to be represented as among the chief mourners, because they had derived important aid from the power which was now to be reduced to ruin. As a matter of fact, the kings of Europe have owed much of their influence and power to the support which has been derived from the Papacy, and when that power shall fall, there will fall much that has contributed to sustain oppressive and arbitrary governments, and that has prevented the extension of popular liberty. In fact, Europe might have been long since free, if it had not been for the support which despotic governments have derived from the Papacy. And lived deliciously with her . In the same kind of luxury and dissoluteness of manners. See . The courts of Europe, under the Papacy, have had the same general character for dissoluteness and licentiousness as Rome itself. The same views of religion produce the same effects everywhere. Shall bewail her, and lament for her . Because their ally is destroyed, and the source of their power is taken away. The fall of the Papacy will be the signal for a general overturning of the thrones of Europe. When they shall see the smoke of her burning . When they shall see her on fire, and her smoke ascending towards heaven. . (a) "kings of the earth"

Revelation of John 18:9-10

Verse 9. And the kings of the earth. This verse commences the description of the lamentation over the fall of the mystical Babylon.

Who have committed fornication. That is, who have been seduced by her from the true God, and have been led into practical idolatry. Rev 14:8. The kings of the earth seem to be represented as among the chief mourners, because they had derived important aid from the power which was now to be reduced to ruin. As a matter of fact, the kings of Europe have owed much of their influence and power to the support which has been derived from the Papacy, and when that power shall fall, there will fall much that has contributed to sustain oppressive and arbitrary governments, and that has prevented the extension of popular liberty. In fact, Europe might have been long since free, if it had not been for the support which despotic governments have derived from the Papacy.

And lived deliciously with her. In the same kind of luxury and dissoluteness of manners. See Rev 18:3,7. The courts of Europe, under the Papacy, have had the same general character for dissoluteness and licentiousness as Rome itself. The same views of religion produce the same effects everywhere.

Shall bewail her, and lament for her. Because their ally is destroyed, and the source of their power is taken away. The fall of the Papacy will be the signal for a general overturning of the thrones of Europe.

When they shall see the smoke of her burning. When they shall see her on fire, and her smoke ascending towards heaven. Rev 14:11.

(a) "kings of the earth" Eze 26:16,17 Verse 10. Standing afar off for the fear of her torment. Not daring to approach, to attempt to rescue and save her. They who had so long contributed to the support of the Papal power, and who had in turn been upheld by that, would not now even attempt to rescue her, but would stand by and see her destroyed--unable to render relief.

Alas, alas, that great city Babylon. The language of lamentation that so great and so mighty a city should fall.

For in one hour is thy judgment come. Barnes on "Re 18:8". The general sentiment here is, that in the final ruin of Papal Rome, the kings and governments that had sustained her, and had been sustained by her, would see the source of their power taken away, but that they would not, or could not, attempt her rescue. There have been not a few indications already that this will ultimately occur, and that the Papal power will be left to fall, without any attempt on the part of those governments which have been so long in alliance with it to sustain or restore it.

(b) "one hour" Rev 18:17,19