The Bees, who have yet to win this season, raced in to a two-goal lead at the start of the second half. But the Shrimpers were able to fight back to grab a share of the spoils.
Southend shaded the first half and were twice denied by the woodwork in the opening 45 minutes. Hurst hit a screaming 25-yard shot against the underside of the crossbar before a deflected effort from Gavin Tomlin also struck the bar.
Barnet survived the scares and opened the scoring in the 54th minute when Ricky Holmes crashed a 25-yard shot in to the top left hand corner of the net.
The Bees doubled their advantage in the 65th minute when Jake Hyde converted Holmes' left-wing cross at the near post.
Southend hit back two minutes later as Freddy Eastwood crashed home a penalty after Barry Fuller had handled the ball inside the area. And, four minutes from time, Hurst's scuffed volley secured a point for the Shrimpers.
