REVELATION OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE - Chapter 18 - Verse 19

Verse 19. And they east dust on their heads. A common sign of lamentation and mourning among the Orientals. See Barnes on "Job 2:12".

By reason of her costliness. The word rendered costliness— timiothv—means, properly, preciousness, costliness; then magnificence, costly merchandise. The luxury of a great city enriches many individuals, however much it may impoverish itself.

For in one hour is she made desolate. So it seemed to them. See Barnes on "Re 18:17".

{d} "cast dust" Jos 7:6; Job 2:12; Eze 27:30