Absalom seems as sleazy as Saddam Hussein's sons Uday and Qusay. The Bible doesn't seem so far fetched when u compare with the wantoness and lust of today's dictators (and elected officials for that matter). We all know what happened to Absalom, Uday, and Qusay. - this particular chapter isn't for kids to read. I've read in the orthodox community - they wait til 30 yr age to read certain texts.
I hope we all can learn from David,he made some mistakes,yes,but he OWNED them and didn't blame GOD for His own ACTIONS and choices,GOD doesn't just follow through with things bc we pray and ask,he also follows through with HIS words,and when we stray from this path,we stray from the straight and narrow,GOD will put us where he wants us,either u can go willgly or struggle and have hardship,U PICK.
What a hard time for David. It is prophesy fulfilled: 2 Samuel 12: 11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.
King David was very wise and learned because of his great suffering. King David loved God when he went through adversity and considered his ways! He was sensitive to God 's Spirit.