First, we notice that there were carvings in the cedar wood, ornamental buds and flowers. It may help to connect this with Aaron’s rod that budded in Numbers 17. Aaron’s rod that budded speaks of Christ risen from the dead and bearing fruit for God. If we carry this thought into the carvings on the cedar wood in the temple, we see that the house of God is a place of life, and a place for those who have life. First, it speaks of Christ Himself. It could be said of Him coming into the world, “In Him was life” (Jn. 1:4). Now, in resurrection, He lives in the power of an endless life (Heb. 7:16). And in wondrous grace, He has given life, eternal life, to all who form part of God’s house today, to every true believer (Jn. 17:2).

Second, notice that the chambers built around the temple were attached to the temple with cedar beams. These chambers were the places the priests stayed when serving in the temple, as well as having other uses. Today, every believer is a priest, and our Father delights to have us near to Himself, to be near where He dwells. Soon, indeed we will be in the Father’s house with its many abodes, pictured, we believe, in these chambers surrounding the temple. But these chambers rested on cedar beams. If we think of the cedar as speaking of Christ, we know that every believer is secure “in Christ.” There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, and no separation from the love of God (Rom. 8:1, 39). No man can pluck us out of the Lord’s hand or out of His Father’s hand! We are secure, resting upon Him who is the true cedar wood, both for time and for eternity!