The final kings of Judah provide vivid picture of what it means to be hard or soft-hearted toward God. The Christmas story also features the soft hearts magi and hard hearts of Herod and the religious leaders but the softest heart of all was Jesus.  He gave up his privileges as a member of the Godhead in obedience to the Father and out of love for us.  Hebrews call us to watch over our own hearts and to admonish others not to allow their hearts to become hardened.