יהושע, פרק ח׳, פסוק ל״ד

The Torah contains a specific list of commandments that must be read publicly to all the Israelites [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. At this moment, this grand public reading is actively fulfilled. Joshua personally takes on the responsibility, reading the words directly to the assembled nation [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

He recites the law, focusing specifically on the sections detailing the blessings and the curses exactly as they are written in the Torah [מצודת דוד]. When identifying the exact content of this reading, the primary approach among commentators is that Joshua reads the lengthy blessings and curses found in the Book of Deuteronomy. These extensive passages outline the rewards for obedience, beginning with the promise of what will happen if the people listen to God, alongside the severe consequences if they refuse [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. Another perspective suggests that he reads the shorter, highly focused declarations that simply state who is blessed and who is cursed [רד״ק].