This phrase echoes the lament of the kings in Revelation 18:10, where the same phrase appears. As there, the reference to the “single hour” means very quickly and surprisingly,
and contrasts with the lifelong benefits the merchants accrued from their sale of goods to the prostitute (that is, any civilization, city that insisted on happiness through things). The suddenness speaks to the immensity of God’s power (Genesis 19:13; 2 Kings 19:35).
17 For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.”And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off