Ruth / Question
Boaz measured out six measures of barley and gave it to Ruth to take back. Ruth brought it to Naomi as part of her report. The gift is recorded in Ruth 3:15–17.
Ruth stays at Boaz’s feet until morning, then leaves before there is enough light for people to recognize each other. Boaz wants the visit kept quiet, so her presence at the threshing floor will not become public talk. Before she goes, he tells her to hold out her outer garment and he measures out six portions of barley, placing the load on her. This moment follows Ruth’s nighttime approach to Boaz at the threshing floor and her request that he act as a near family redeemer (Ruth.3.9). Boaz has responded positively but has also raised the issue of another closer relative, so the story is now poised for a public decision in town (Ruth.3.12-Ruth.3.13).
The text presents a careful, quiet ending to the threshing-floor encounter. Ruth remains “at his feet” until morning and then leaves while it is still too dark for easy recognition. Boaz explicitly says he does not want it publicly known that “the woman” came to the threshing floor.
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with Ruth 3:15-17, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
15He said, Bring the mantle that is on you, and hold it; and she held it; and he measured six [measures] of barley, and laid it on her: and he went into the city.
16When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, Who are you, my daughter? She told her all that the man had done to her.
17She said, These six [measures] of barley gave he me; for he said, "Don`t go empty to your mother-in-law."