How much did Ruth glean on her first day?

In Ruth 2:17, we discover that Ruth gleaned an impressive 1 ephah of barley during her first day working in the fields of Boaz. Now, let’s put that into perspective! An ephah is roughly equivalent to about 22 liters or nearly 5.8 gallons. Imagine lugging around that much grain after a long day’s work—talk about dedication!

Gleaning was a practice that helped provide for the poor and destitute in ancient Israel, allowing them to gather the leftover crops after harvesters had gone through the fields. This generous practice comes directly from the Law of Moses, which commanded landowners not to harvest to the edges of their fields and to leave some for the needy (Leviticus 19:9-10). So, really, Ruth was tapping into a long-standing tradition of social responsibility and kindness.

Ruth’s experience is also a crucial pivot point in her narrative, highlighting both her determination and the lavish grace she receives through Boaz's actions. It’s a beautiful example of how many themes mesh in the Biblical tapestry: hospitality, laboring faithfully, and receiving unexpected blessings.

Plus, here’s a fun trivia nugget: The whole process of gleaning echoes broader Biblical principles about inclusion and community-care. It illustrates how relationships and support systems were essential in ancient societies, mirroring ideals that are still valuable today!