Revelation 18:19

Throwing dust on one’s head symbolized great grief in the Old Testament (cf. Joshua 7:6; 1 Samuel 4:12; 2 Samuel 1:2; 2 Samuel 13:19; 2 Samuel 15:32; Job 2:12; Lamentations 2:10). People earlier behaved similarly over Tyre’s demise (Ezekiel 27:30). These sea people also echo the laments and repeat the behavior of the kings (Revelation 18:10) and the merchants (Revelation 18:15-17).

"How do we see the luxury of this world? Do we see it as it really is? Can we use it without getting it into our hearts? How would you feel if the luxuries in your life which you have come to consider necessities suddenly went up in smoke?

"Would it break your heart if you saw the things of this world go up in smoke? Or is your heart in heaven, fixed on Christ?" [Note: McGee, 5:1041.]