The merchants of these things,.... Before mentioned, who have traded in them for themselves and for Rome: which were made rich by her, see Rev 18:3 shall stand afar off for fear of her torment; as the kings of the earth before, Rev 18:10 being conscious to themselves of their being partners in her crimes, and so might justly fear they should share in her punishment; and it may be, they will outwardly deny they are now of her religion, and will externally embrace the reformed religion; though they will be inwardly weeping and wailing for the destruction of Rome, and the loss of their merchandise and goodly things.