In the prophetic book of Ezekiel, the symbolic act of throwing some hairs into the fire is found in Ezekiel 5. This act is part of a series of symbolic actions commanded by God to the prophet Ezekiel, intended to convey a message of judgment upon Jerusalem due to its rebellion and idolatry.

Context and Symbolism

Ezekiel 5:1-4 describes the instructions given to Ezekiel: "Now you, son of man, take a sharp sword, use it as a barber’s razor, and shave your head and your beard. Then take a set of scales and divide the hair. When the days of the siege have ended, you are to burn a third of the hair inside the city. You are to chop up a third with the sword all around the city, and you are to scatter a third to the wind. For I will unleash a sword behind them."

The act of shaving the head and beard, a sign of mourning and humiliation, is followed by the division of the hair into three parts. Each part represents a different fate for the inhabitants of Jerusalem:

1. Burning a Third in the Fire: This symbolizes the destruction by fire that would come upon the city. The fire represents the consuming judgment of God, as seen in Ezekiel 5:4, "Again, take a few of these and throw them into the fire and burn them, and a fire will spread from there to the whole house of Israel."

2. Striking with the Sword: The second portion of hair, struck with the sword, signifies those who would fall by the sword during the Babylonian siege.

3. Scattering to the Wind: The final portion, scattered to the wind, represents those who would be dispersed among the nations, experiencing exile and displacement.

Theological Implications

The act of throwing some hairs into the fire serves as a vivid illustration of divine judgment. It underscores the seriousness of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness and the inevitable consequences of their actions. The fire, a common biblical symbol of purification and judgment, emphasizes the holiness of God and His intolerance of sin.

Ezekiel's actions are not merely symbolic but prophetic, foreshadowing the actual events that would occur during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The destruction and exile were not arbitrary but were the fulfillment of the covenant curses outlined in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 for disobedience.

Application for Believers

For contemporary believers, this passage serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment. It calls for self-examination and repentance, urging believers to remain faithful to God's covenant. The imagery of fire also points to the refining process that God uses to purify His people, as seen in passages like Malachi 3:2-3.

The narrative of Ezekiel 5, including the act of throwing hairs into the fire, ultimately points to the hope of restoration and redemption. Despite the severe judgment, God's covenant promises remain, and His desire for His people is always for their return and renewal.