What does Revelation 18:19 mean?
The kings, merchants, and seafarers of the world are grieving their loss of income due to the collapse of Babylon. Here, sailors continue their lament by throwing dust on their head, by weeping, and by mourning. Again they recall how Babylon was a great city that drew ships to her from around the world, and all who sold their goods to her got wealthy. But the end had come. The mourners are aghast that such a great city fell to ruin in just one hour. The shipping industry would not earn a single penny from Babylon in the future, and doubtless that prospect is what causes the shippers and crews such anguish.When God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot and his wife and daughters had to be physically dragged away from everything they owned (Genesis 19:15–16), As the cities melted away, the family hurried to escape to a safe place, but Lot's wife must have had Sodom in her heart, because she turned to look back on Sodom against the clear command not to do so (Genesis 19:17; 19:26). As a result, she became a pillar of salt. This might mean she hesitated, looked back, and was engulfed in the sulfur and fire God rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah.
All who mourn the collapse of Babylon miss severely what Babylon had meant to them financially. No mention is made that these mourning kings, merchants, or sailors mourn the loss of life in Babylon.