Description:
Scholars generally note that Ruth's similarities with the ideal woman in Prov. 31.10–31 qualify Ruth for the epithet ליח תשא. This article proposes that while the similarities associate Ruth with the title ליח תשא, some differences set the Moabitess apart as a different kind of ליח תשא. One of the main differences is her relationship with Boaz, who is called the man of ליח. The marriage of this woman of ליח and the man of ליח results in her association with the Davidic royal line; and this in turn gives Ruth a special position that makes her an ליח תשא superior to the proverbist's woman.