The explanatory words of the mighty angel as recorded in 18:21–24 were directed in the first place to “you,” that is, Babylon. We may imagine the angel slinging these words at Babylon as the city leaves his hand and travels the distance to the sea where it disappears below the surface. It is the kind of thing that we might do too as we throw out something or someone we are disgusted with.
23 and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.