The term used means “to beat [one’s breast]” as a sign of deep distress due to death (see also Luke 8:52; Luke 23:27). These kings, usually (we might imagine) self-composed and presenting an aura of being in charge, now break down in cries and actions of deepest grief on account of Babylon’s fall. Theirs is activity characteristic of a funeral (Matthew 9:23; Matthew 11:17; John 11:33).
9 And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning.