The phrase "First Third Burned in the City" refers to a prophetic act commanded by God to the prophet Ezekiel, symbolizing the impending judgment and destruction of Jerusalem. This event is detailed in the book of Ezekiel, specifically in chapter 5, where God instructs Ezekiel to perform a series of symbolic actions to convey His message of judgment against the city of Jerusalem due to its rebellion and idolatry.

Biblical Context

In Ezekiel 5:1-4, the Lord commands Ezekiel to take a sharp sword and use it as a barber's razor to shave his head and beard. He is then instructed to divide the hair into three parts, each representing a different fate for the inhabitants of Jerusalem:

1. First Third Burned in the City: Ezekiel is to burn one-third of the hair within the city. This act symbolizes the portion of the population that will perish by fire during the siege and destruction of Jerusalem. The burning of the hair within the city serves as a vivid illustration of the calamity and divine wrath that will befall the city due to its sins.

· Ezekiel 5:2 : "When the days of the siege have ended, you are to burn a third of the hair inside the city. Take a third and strike it with the sword all around the city, and scatter a third to the wind. For I will unleash a sword behind them."

2. Second Third Struck with the Sword: The second portion of the hair is to be struck with the sword around the city, symbolizing those who will fall by the sword during the Babylonian invasion.

3. Final Third Scattered to the Wind: The last third is to be scattered to the wind, representing those who will be dispersed and exiled among the nations. God declares that He will pursue them with a sword, indicating continued judgment even in their dispersion.

Theological Significance

The prophetic act of burning the first third of the hair within the city underscores the severity of God's judgment against Jerusalem. It serves as a tangible representation of the consequences of the people's persistent disobedience and idolatry. The use of fire as a symbol of divine judgment is consistent with other biblical passages where fire represents purification, destruction, or the presence of God’s holiness.

The division of the hair into thirds also highlights the comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting all aspects of the city and its inhabitants. This act is a stark reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the inevitable consequences that follow unrepentant rebellion against His commandments.

Historical Background

The historical context of this prophecy is the period leading up to the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which culminated in the city's destruction in 586 B.C. The prophet Ezekiel, who was among the exiles in Babylon, received this vision as part of his broader ministry to warn the people of Judah about the impending judgment due to their covenant unfaithfulness.

Ezekiel's symbolic actions, including the burning of the hair, were intended to communicate the certainty and imminence of the coming disaster. Despite the warnings, the people of Jerusalem largely ignored the prophetic messages, leading to the fulfillment of the dire predictions.

Application for Believers

For contemporary believers, the account of the "First Third Burned in the City" serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness and justice of God. It calls for self-examination and repentance, urging individuals and communities to turn away from sin and seek alignment with God's will. The passage also emphasizes the importance of heeding prophetic warnings and remaining faithful to God's covenant, recognizing that divine patience has limits when faced with persistent disobedience.