And They Arose Early: Confronting Sexual Violence in the Torah

A hybrid work of rabbinic commentary, relational philosophy, and contemporary poetics, And They Arose Early: Confronting Sexual Violence in the Torah by Ethan Daniel Davidson invites readers to consider how ancient narratives inform and parallel humanity's ongoing struggles with power, desire, revenge, restraint, and justice. By diving into and drawing upon the Torah's original Hebrew, Davidson deftly uncovers and connects a network of densely layered meanings within these classical texts and stories. Using these timeless tales as an existential mirror to better identify and metabolize his own experiences with and feelings about such violence, Davidson emerges with a "broken poetry of Torah," in which readers are encouraged to complete the text with their own questions and insights about accountability and morality.  In so doing, he unpacks not only the dark complexities of these stories but also the light of understanding they offer to those looking for a way to break the spiral of violence. For those seeking a transformative reading experience, And They Arose Early offers a powerful and essential examination of violence, relationship, consent, and our shared quest for empathy.

About the Author
Ethan Daniel Davidson is one of Detroit’s finest singer songwriters; lyrically and musically expressive. His golden voice is woven through lyrics, haunted and confessional, like a man seeking penance. His talent is highlighted by collaborations with some of Detroit’s finest musicians and troubadours. It is apparent his world travels have informed his music and his style. His songs are vivid memories of experiences: rooms that smell of old books, smoke from oil lamps, and bohemian escapades. All the fears, beliefs, lies, secrets and desires accumulated, observed and turned into emotional verse that blurs the line between personal and universal. Davidson creates an intimacy and connection with his audience that is deepened by the timeless nature of his storytelling.

Praise for And They Arose Early: Confronting Sexual Violence in the Torah

“Through the words and the emotions that leap from its pages, in And They Arose Early To Do Sexual Violence, Ethan Davidson shows us what it means to be Yisrael, to be a God-wrestler, as he wrestles with violence and love and hatred and forgiveness. He makes us confront some of the darkest parts of the Bible and human experience while holding us compassionately throughout. His book is formidably researched and deeply felt, enabling us to truly encounter the text, the author, and the Divine. The way he probes the words and worlds of Jewish text bring out new meanings that change us as we read them. Prepare to be both haunted by, and yes, uplifted by, how human beings can treat each other.” 
—Rabbi Ariana Silverman

“In this powerful and important book, Ethan Davidson takes us personally, with a loving embrace, on a journey through the Bible to explore the difficult subject of sexual violence and exploitation. Strange as it may seem, after delving into the Torah wisdom of this book, the reader leaves with a warm feeling of hope for a better today, newly aware of the crimes and sins of an insensitive past. Ethan Davidson’s And They Arose Early To Do Sexual Violence is a modern masterpiece, enabling the Jewish tradition — with the help of other world traditions — come alive to inspire us in the 21st century to transform ourselves and our world “’til the light comes shining in.”
—Rabbi Asher Lopatin

Book Details
343 pages | eBook | ISBN: 979-8-234-00225-9  
Publication: Summer 2026