The answer is: Barley

Ruth 1:22

In the Book of Ruth, Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest, which typically occurs in early spring. Barley was a staple grain in ancient Israel, often used to make bread, and it plays a significant role in agricultural cycles. The timing of their arrival is both poignant and significant, considering the hardships they’ve faced—famine in Judah, personal loss, and Ruth’s determination to stay with Naomi.

The process of harvesting was also tied closely to community life and significance in Israelite tradition. During harvest time, it's a festival season—neighbors would help each other gather the crops. This reflects community responsibility and support, echoing elsewhere in the Bible where gathering is more than mere work; it reflects unity, fellowship, and the blessings from God.

David, as a shepherd, later makes connections with this time when he, too, is associated with harvest seasons, as captured in his Psalms reverberating with imagery from nature’s cyclic beauty. Furthermore, the harvest season symbolizes spiritual bounty as well. In Jesus's parables, He illustrates how the workers share in the joy of harvesting—whether it’s crops or the souls of the faithful.

Ruth’s transition from Moab to the Israelite community during the barley season symbolizes new beginnings. It illustrates the blending of cultures and faiths, and God's plans often unfold through unexpected paths and connections! Isn’t it fascinating how such a simple act as harvesting can have deeper layers of meaning that resonate throughout scripture?