Riches Come to Nought
“17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,
18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!
19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.” (Rev. 18:17-19 KJV)
The shipping industry grew rich from shipping treasures to feed the lusts of Babylon. They now realize their lifestyles have changed. They’ve lost their means of great riches because there’s no one left to sell to. Their lament is added to that of the kings and merchants in morning the destruction of their great city.