Revelation 18:11

Merchants. According to one interpretation, these “merchants” are the literal commercial and business leaders of earth, whose financial and material support have contributed so much to the luxury, splendor, and success of Babylon the great (see on vs. 7, 12–15). According to another interpretation, these are figurative “merchants,” representative of the peddlers of the spiritual merchandise of Babylon, those who have sold her doctrines and policies to the kings and peoples of earth (see on chs. 16:13, 14; 17:2, 4; see below on “merchandise”). In ch. 18:23 these “merchants” are said to be “the great men of the earth.” Compare Isa. 23:2, 8, 17, 18; 47:13, 15.

Weep and mourn. See on v. 9.

No man buyeth. The kings and peoples of earth are disillusioned, and refuse to have anything to do with Babylon. Compare Isa. 23:14; Eze. 26:15–18.

Merchandise. Gr. gomos, the “lading,” or “load,” of a ship or a beast of burden, and thus “merchandise.” According to the first interpretation mentioned above, this would be literal articles of manufacture and trade, and according to the second, or figurative interpretation, the doctrines and policies of mystical Babylon, elsewhere spoken of as her “wine” (see on ch. 17:2). The highly figurative character of ch. 18 (see on v. 9) tends to favor the latter interpretation (see above on “merchants”). With the destruction of Babylon there is an end to the flow of corrupt goods that have been sold and distributed in her name, and by which she has deceived the world.