The answer is: 1 ephah of barley

Ruth 2:17

Ruth's impressively productive first day in the fields truly highlights her determination and hard work! An ephah of barley is no small amount; in fact, it was roughly equivalent to either 22 liters or around 40 pounds. That’s a hefty haul for one day of gleaning!

Now, gleaning wasn't just a job for Ruth—it was a lifeline in ancient Israelite society. The law, as laid out in Leviticus 19:9-10, instructed harvesters to leave the edges of their fields and any crops that fell during the harvest for the poor. Ruth took full advantage of this cultural practice, showcasing not only her resourcefulness but also the kindness embedded in the law.

Interestingly, Ruth comes from Moab, a region often viewed with suspicion by the Israelites. Her journey to Bethlehem and efforts to provide for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi show the seismic shifts in family and identity that can occur through circumstances beyond our control. Plus, it's worth noting that her story is woven into the very lineage of David, illustrated in Ruth 4:13-22. Ruth, a Moabite, becomes part of a lineage that culminates in someone as pivotal as King David.

Just image—with all she harvested, Ruth is emblematic of resilience, representing how hope can blossom even in the most challenging situations. Her journey illustrates that our circumstances, even difficult ones, can lead us to wonderful, unexpected places.