The answer is: 1 ephah of barley

Ruth 2:17

Ruth's determination took center stage as she set out to glean in the fields of Boaz. With a clear sense of purpose, she previously made a courageous decision to leave her homeland and care for her mother-in-law, Naomi. When you think about Ruth’s character, it’s a marvelous reminder of loyalty and hard work in times of scarcity. An ephah of barley—that's around 30 to 40 pounds! Imagine hefting that amount on her first day. This significant haul mirrors her tenacity and resourcefulness.

Moreover, barley was a staple grain for the Israelites, often considered a “poor person’s food.” So when Ruth brought home such a hefty bounty, it didn’t just represent sustenance but also a promise of hope in hardship. Did you know that in ancient Israel, gleaning was akin to legislation? The Law instructed landowners like Boaz (from the book of Leviticus) to leave some of their fields unharvested specifically for the poor and foreigners.

Afterward, she ends up marrying Boaz, paving the way for her direct line to King David. How cool is that? This act of integrity highlights how small decisions and acts of kindness can lead to remarkable outcomes beyond what we could envision! Ultimately, Ruth's day of gleaning was the first chapter of her larger life story, filled with unforeseen grace and blessing. Isn't that just like life?