Deuteronomy — meaning 'repetition of the law' or 'copy of the law' — records Moses' final addresses to the second generation of Israelites in the plains of Moab, shortly before his death. Constable notes the book follows the pattern of ancient Hittite suzerainty treaties: a historical prologue, covenant stipulations, blessings and curses, and document provisions. Its theological message calls Israel to total loyalty to Yahweh based on His past faithfulness. The scope covers approximately three months, and the key theme is love: God's love for Israel expressed in election and redemption, and Israel's required love for God expressed in wholehearted obedience. Constable regards Deuteronomy as perhaps the most important book in the Old Testament for Christian living.

In his final addresses Joshua charges Israel to love the LORD, cling to Him, and drive out the remaining Canaanites — warning that compromise will be a snare. At Shechem he leads a solemn covenant renewal: reciting Yahweh's acts from Abraham to the conquest, calling the people to choose whom they will serve, and setting up a stone as a witness. Joshua dies at 110. The book closes with the burial of Joseph's bones — a promise kept since Egypt — and the death of Eleazar.

Joshua releases the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh to cross back to their Transjordanian inheritance with his blessing. When they build a large altar at the Jordan, the western tribes fear apostasy and nearly go to war. A delegation hears the explanation — the altar is a witness, not a place of competing sacrifice — and the crisis is averted. Unity within the covenant community is preserved.