From the vantage point of where John and the angel stand in history, five of seven kings have come and gone; they are in the past. Just as the number “seven” is not literal, so too the number “five” is not literal. The point is instead that as John investigates history, he can see a long row of past kings (mighty rulers) who have conspired against the Lord and his anointed. But what is characteristic of that long row is that all have fallen; none endured. Though they sought their happiness and well being with the great prostitute, they themselves experienced that their adultery (idolatry) cost them their lives (Proverbs 7:23; see further Proverbs 7:24–27).
10 they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while.