Albert Barnes Commentary Revelation 18:9

"And the kings of the earth, who committed fornication and lived wantonly with her, shall weep and wail over her, when they look upon the smoke of her burning," — Revelation 18:9 (ASV)

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 (see notes on Revelation 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, much that has contributed to sustain oppressive and arbitrary governments, and that has prevented the extension of popular liberty, will also fall.

Indeed, Europe might have been free long ago, if it had not been for the support which despotic governments have derived from the Papacy.

And lived deliciously with her. This refers to living in the same kind of luxury and dissoluteness of manners (see Revelation 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. They will do this 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. This means when they shall see her on fire, and her smoke ascending towards heaven (see notes on Revelation 14:11).