The Early Priests of God.

When Adam and Eve sinned God showed them His way of forgiveness and how to draw near to Him.

`for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. ` (Gen. 3: 21)

The blood sacrifice was God`s way to cover their sin and Abel their son knew this too.

`Abel …brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering. ` (Gen. 4: 4)

Thus, people in early times often built an altar where they could sacrifice to God.  The head of the family often performed this priestly function.

When Noah and his family came out of the ark, Noah then built an altar. 

`Noah built an altar to the Lord ….and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma.` (Gen. 8: 20 & 21)

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob offered sacrifices and drew near to God. An altar of stones was set up where sacrifices could be offered, especially for important events

`And he (Abraham) moved from there to the mountain east of Bethel…he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.` (Gen. 12: 8)

The king of Salem, who was a priest of the Most High, called Melchizedek, met Abraham and blessed him.

`Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of the Most High. And he blessed him and said :“Blessed be Abraham of God Most High,…` (Gen. 14: 18 & 19)

The ultimate sacrifice of Abraham`s son, Isaac, was a great test, but as Abraham said

“ My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.”  (Gen. 22: 8)

Thus, we can see that priests and priestly activity were known in ancient times as God`s way to cover sin and for the person to be able to draw near to Him. However, this was only a temporary way till God provided Himself as the final sacrifice.