The reason given for standing at a distance is the kings’ “fear of her torment”; that is, they wish to escape the plagues that have enveloped fallen Babylon. This conduct contrasts with the behaviour of the saints (Revelation 12:11; Revelation 2:10) who were devoted to their Master even to the final extreme, and so it demonstrates that the kings were ultimately more concerned about their own skins than about Babylon herself. Further, the descriptive phrase “stand far off” recalls the instruction the heavenly voice had given in Revelation 18:4 to God’s people to “come out of her” (distance themselves) “lest you share in her plagues.” But whereas the command of Revelation 18:4 had focused on mindset, the action of the kings focuses on physical distance. Finally, note that the merchants and the sailors also positioned themselves “far off” (see also Revelation 18:15, Revelation 18:17).
10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”