Under the Law Covenant. Through the Law covenant an arrangement was set up that provided for individual and national approach to God through an appointed priesthood and with legally prescribed sacrifices, connected with a sacred tabernacle and later a temple. The sons of Aaron the Levite acted as priests on behalf of the people. For others, even the Levites not of Aaron’s line, to presume to draw near to the altar or the holy utensils to effect such service would result in death. (Le 2:8; Nu 3:10; 16:40; 17:12, 13; 18:2-4, 7) The priests had to meet strict requirements as to both physical and ceremonial cleanness, and they had to have on approved attire when approaching the altar or “the holy place.” (Ex 28:40-43; 30:18-21; 40:32; Le 22:2, 3) Any disrespect or violation of divine instructions in approaching the Sovereign God brought the death penalty, as in the case of two of Aaron’s own sons. (Le 10:1-3, 8-11; 16:1) Of the entire nation only Aaron, and those who succeeded him as high priest, could enter the Most Holy before the ark of the covenant, which was associated with Jehovah’s presence; but even he was allowed to enter on but one day in the year, on Atonement Day. (Le 16:2, 17) In this privileged position Aaron prefigured Christ Jesus as God’s High Priest.​—Heb 8:1-6; 9:6, 7, 24.

In Israel, approach to God on matters affecting the entire nation was made by king, priest, and prophet. The Urim and Thummim of the high priest were employed on certain occasions to determine God’s direction. (1Sa 8:21, 22; 14:36-41; 1Ki 18:36-45; Jer 42:1-3)