Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying. Unconsciously acting upon the command in Revelation 18:4, "Come out of her... that ye receive not of her plagues." Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city!
for in one hour is thy judgment come; Woe, woe, the great city. In one hour (cf. Revelation 18:8). Some writers understand the "one hour" to refer to the space of time during which the kings rule (see Revelation 17:12); but a comparison with Revelation 18:8 leads to the conclusion that the meaning is "suddenly;" the contrast in a short time between the two positions of Babylon enhancing the fearfulness of the visitation.