ACC ~ Revelation 18 v9 - 10

SINNERS WILL FEAR FOR THEMSELVES. CAESARIUS OF ARLES: With this repentance, the kings are not bewailing the evil of wealth, because they sinned with [the harlot]. Rather, they recognize that they are losing the prosperity of the world through which they became subject to its pleasures. Or, since those things in it were beginning to come to an end that because of their luxury were previously pleasing to them, these profligates fight and consume one another. … They are said to stand afar off, not physically but in their souls, since each one will fear for himself when he sees what another suffers through the maliciousness and power of the haughty. “They say, ‘Alas, alas, thou great city, Babylon!’” … The Spirit speaks the name of the city. Indeed, they lament the world, which is overtaken by punishment in such a short time and all of whose industry has come to an end so violently. EXPOSITION ON THE APOCALYPSE 18.9-10, HOMILY 16.

THE RULERS ARE TERRIFIED. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: We think that in this passage the “kings” refer to the rulers, as the psalmist said concerning Jerusalem, “Behold, her kings have assembled.”It says that those who committed fornication in her against the divine commandments will weep, since they see or hear of her burning and her desolation, and they are thoroughly terrified at the sudden change that had taken place in such a short time. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 18.9-10.

ONLY PENITENCE WILL REMAIN FOR THE IMPIOUS. BEDE: This wailing of the kings, of the merchants and of the seamen of Babylon may be interpreted in a twofold sense. On the one hand, it may mean that on the day of judgment when all the glory of the world is passing away, only penitence for their former life will remain for the impious, who will then say, “What has pride profited us? Or what has the vaunting of riches brought us? All these things will pass away as a cloud.” On the other hand, it may mean that when in the present age an abundance of things ceases and the downfall of various nations is approaching, the opportunity for carnal pleasures, which was everywhere present for the sating of the desires of the wicked, will have been taken away. “They see the smoke of her burning.” That is, when they see the evidence of its destruction, for smoke arises from fire. Indeed, what else is the rioting of this world and its crumbling other than the smoke of Gehenna, which is close at hand? EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 18.9-10.

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