The angel explains, “Your merchants were the great ones of the earth.” We had met Babylon’s merchants earlier in Revelation 18:3 and Revelation 18:15 (they had grown rich on the backs of their clients so as to enjoy luxurious living); we met them too in Revelation 18:11–13 as they lamented the loss of their lifestyle (as “great ones”) as a result of Babylon’s fall.
23 and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.