What did Gideon use to discern God's will?

Gideon used a fleece to discern God’s will, which is a significant biblical account found in the Book of Judges. In this context, Gideon sought confirmation from God regarding his mission to lead Israel against the Midianites. He requested that a fleece be placed on the threshing floor, asking for a specific sign: if the fleece were wet with dew while the ground remained dry, he would know that God was indeed calling him to lead. The following night, Gideon asked for the opposite sign, and God provided it, further confirming His will. This method of using the fleece demonstrates a desire for clarity and assurance in following God's guidance, illustrating a deep personal engagement with divine communication.

The other options do not accurately reflect Gideon's method of discernment in this context. A staff might symbolize authority or its use in miraculous events but is not related to discernment here. Dreams are used elsewhere in scripture for divine communication, but not specifically in Gideon's case. Prophecy involves receiving divine messages through others but doesn’t pertain to Gideon’s direct inquiry for signs. Thus, the fleece stands out as the specific means Gideon employed to seek God’s direction.