ONE way of settling differences between men and nations is through mediation. This is the process whereby two parties, or their representatives, come together with a third person to work out a satisfactory solution to a particular situation about which they do not agree. Often the mediator, or third person, through his reasonable arguments, good will, and impartiality, points the way whereby the differences are reconciled and a harmonious settlement is brought about.
The patriarch Moses, who led the children of Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness, can undoubtedly qualify as a great mediator between God and men. Possessing many of the qualities of noble, alert manhood, he communed with God and communicated to his people the concept of the creator as the one great I AM. Through God-inspired wisdom and direction he also gave to the Israelites the Ten Commandments—the great moral law— which throughout the ages have guided men in their relationship with each other.
The descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, inherited the priestly office of ministering to the religious needs of the people. They were regarded as mediators between God and men. In the Judaic religion it was the duty of one who trespassed against the law or who sought divine favor to make an offering to God through a priest.
