The answer is: 1 ephah of barley

Ruth 2:17

Isn’t it incredible that Ruth, a Moabite widow, could pick up an astonishing amount of barley on her very first day! When you see the measure—1 ephah—not only does it show Ruth's dedication, but it gives a glimpse into the generous provisions of God. An ephah is roughly equivalent to about 5 to 6 gallons or around 22 liters, enough to feed a small family for over a week.

During Ruth’s gleaning, the landbuzzed with traditions from ancient Israel, reflecting a broader law that all harvesters had to leave the edges of their fields for the poor and the foreigner. This concept highlights not just charity but also equality and inclusion, representing how communities can support one another. As Ruth collected her grain, she guyed from Boaz's bounty but also embodied wealth's spiritual principle which keeps giving.

When we think of gleaning, it might take us to Jesus’ Beatitudes—blessings inferred for the poor and the meek. The entire book of Ruth often echoes the idea of redemptive responsibility. Asking who can 'redeem' us, much like Boaz does for Ruth, initiates sacred connections resonating through the lineage of David. So, when Ruth returned home with that full ephah of barley, it wasn't just grain—it was hope, community, provision, and indeed, part of a much larger narrative of inheritance and divine favor. excitement!