Revelation 18:19

“And they cast dust on their heads, etc.] As the seafaring men on account of Tyre, (<262730>Ezekiel 27:30) this was a gesture used in mourning when persons were in afflicted and distressed circumstances, denoting disorder, confusion, and debasement; (see <060706>Joshua 7:6 <180212>Job 2:12) and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, alas, alas! that great city; as in (<661810>Revelation 18:10,16) so it was once, though now in flames: wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea; not only the merchants of the earth, as in (<661803>Revelation 18:3) the cardinals, archbishops, and bishops, but the governors of religious houses; these accumulated great wealth to themselves, and got the best…”

“wailing--"mourning." that had ships--A, B, and C read, "that had their ships": literally, "the ships." costliness--her costly treasures: abstract for concrete.”

“And they cast dust on their heads - A common sign of lamentation and mourning among the Orientals. See the notes on Job 2:12. By reason of her costliness - The word rendered “costliness” - τιμιότητος timiotētos - means, properly, “preciousness, costliness”; their magnificence, costly merchandise. The luxury of a great city enriches many individuals, however much it may impoverish itself. For in one hour is she made desolate - So it seemed to them. See the notes on Revelation 18:17. return to 'Top of Page'”

“And they cast dust on their heads - As mourners. Most of the expressions here used in describing the downfall of Babylon are taken from Ezekiel's description of the downfall of Tyre, Eze. 26:1-28:19. Revelation 18:20”

“they cast: Jos 7:6; Sa1 4:12; Sa2 13:19; Neh 9:1; Job 2:12; Eze 27:30 weeping: Rev 18:10, Rev 18:15, Rev 18:16 for: Rev 18:8 Revelation 18:20”