Almost every day we specify something we want. One example is placing an order in a restaurant. We understand that if we specify what we would like, all other items on the menu are ruled out. No one goes through the menu telling the waiter/waitress every item they do not want. If anything other than our order is brought to our table, we assume waiter must have the wrong table, because it is not what we specified. On the other hand, sometimes we are generic with our requests. In the example of the restaurant, someone may ask for steak sauce without specifying the brand. Whether A1, Heinz, or some other brand is brought to the table, the request is fulfilled. If the brand is not specified, then any steak sauce will suffice.

This simple concept of generic and specific requests must be grasped when it comes to God’s word. When God specifies the way in which something is to be done, that eliminates all other ways I may think of doing it; however, if God is generic in His request, then I am at liberty to fulfill that request in any way that falls under that genus He has given.

We have many examples of specific requests in the Bible. In Genesis 6:14, God commanded Noah, “Make thee an ark of gopher wood.” “Gopher” was the type of wood specified; thus, pine, maple, oak, or any other kind of wood was ruled out. When God gave the command to Israel to keep the Passover, He specified, “Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year…” (Exodus 12:5). This eliminated any other animal such as a cow or a pig. It also eliminated any female lamb. Lambs of the second, third, fourth or any other year than the first year would be eliminated as well. From Matthew 26, 1 Corinthian 10:16-17, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, we learn unleavened bread and fruit of the vine are the specified food and drink we are to partake of in observing the Lord’s supper; thus, other kinds of food are eliminated. The inspired writer of Hebrews makes this argument concerning Jesus being ineligible to be a priest under the Old Covenant. Hebrews 7:14 says, “For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.” Since God specified from which tribe priests were to come—Levi (Numbers 3:10)—all other tribes were excluded; thus, Judah was excluded.

God also gives some generic commands. Consider Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” There are certain things that are specified in this verse. For exam-ple, the Gospel is what we are to preach when we go into all the world. This rules out preaching some other message than the Gospel. But the command “go” is generic in the sense that how one is to go is not specified. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable for one to go by boat, plane, car, radio, television, internet or any other means that will bring the Gospel to the world.

When people try to take what God has specified and substitute their own choice, God is displeased. Nadab and Abihu offered fire that was different than that which God had specified and, therefore, were punished by the Lord (Leviticus 10:1-2). Death was the consequence of doing their own thing rather than what God authorized; this is obviously a big deal to God! When God has given liberty in an area and people bind their own specific preference on others and deem the alternatives to be sinful God is equally displeased. The Spirit speaks contemptuously of those “forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving” (1 Timothy 4:3-4).

We must recognize the generic and specific commands God has given in His word and treat them properly. If we do so, God will be pleased.