Deuteronomy 18 shows another important reason for a mediator. God knows that people need answers for solving life’s many problems. They need to make the best choices about how to live. God also knows that people often look for answers in the wrong places.
For example, many turn to spirit mediums who claim to speak for the dead or for other spirits. Many also seek answers in witchcraft, spiritism, magic spells, omens, and other signs such as the stars. In Deuteronomy 18:9-14, God commanded His people not to use these methods, but to “…be blameless before the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 18:13) (also Leviticus 19:31; 1 Chronicles 10:13; Isaiah 8:19; Acts 19:19; Revelation 21:8). Was He trying to keep them from finding spiritual answers? Actually, God was keeping them from these methods because they give false answers, which harm people (Isaiah 47:8-15; Jeremiah 27:9-10).
God’s love went even further. Rather than stopping the search for answers, God opened the way for all the answers that all people need. For immediately after speaking against mediums, God promised to send the Prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18: 15-19). People do not need “mediums” because God gives His Mediator! God assured them,
I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him (Deuteronomy 18:18).
Unlike messages from mediums, this message would be true. This message could be fully trusted and followed. For this message would be God’s own words. “Everything” from God would be faithfully passed along to the people by the Prophet like Moses.