With these words the kings make a sharp contrast between what Babylon now is—fallen, burning—and what she was. The extent of their own loss receives descriptive colour by this contrast. No longer can they ride her coattails to satisfy their wants and achieve a lifestyle of ease.
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.”