This chapter depicts the destruction of the political power of the Antichrist. John depicts great sorrow on earth over her destruction. In all likelihood, Rome will become the world’s center for banking, finance, trade, government, industry, and culture. Men’s fortunes will be both invested and lost here. That is the reason for the sorrow over her destruction. Read Rev. 18:9-19. We see in Rev. 18:20-24 that the attitude of heaven will be different. It will rejoice that Rome is utterly and completely destroyed, and that no trace of it will ever be found (Rev. 18:21-22).