'The smitten' signify people who are oppressed by the falsities of ignorance.

(Odkazy: Apocalypse Explained 357)

1128. A certain person appeared who was enveloped so to speak with a cloud. On his face were many stars wandering around, which mean falsities. It was said that the descendants of the Ancient Church were such when it started to perish, especially among those who established worship by means of sacrifices and images.