Nigeria, July 3 -- One of the most poignant examples in history of a leader who failed to confront the real enemies of his people while appeasing his oppressors is the vassal King of Judah, Zedekiah. His reign, between 597 and 589 BCE, was marked by indecision and fear, culminating in the fall of Jerusalem, the Babylonian exile and his eventual death.

Confronted by internal strife and external pressure, he was more concerned with appeasing the nobles than with confronting the reality of Judah's situation and doing what was necessary to save his people.

King Zedekiah's story serves as a cautionary tale of leadership marked by fear and indecision. His reluctance to confront the real threat posed by Babylon and his eagerness to appease cer...