Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

The Sad Results of David's Sin
Absalom was permitted to return to Jerusalem, but not to
appear at court or to meet his father. As tenderly as he loved this
beautiful and gifted son, David felt it necessary to show abhorrence
for the crime he had committed. Absalom lived two years in his own
house, banished from the court. His sister's presence kept alive the
memory of the irreversible wrong she had suffered. In the public's
eyes, the prince was a hero rather than an offender, and he put
himself in a position to gain the hearts of the people.
His personal appearance was enough to win the admiration of
all. "In all Israel there was no one who was praised as much as
Absalom for his good looks. From the sole of his foot to the crown
of his head there was no blemish in him." David's decision
permitting him to return to Jerusalem while refusing to admit him to
his presence encouraged the people's sympathies for him.
Before his sin David had been courageous and decided. Now
he was weak and hesitating, and this worked in favor of his son's
plans.
Through Joab's influence, Absalom was again admitted to his
father's presence. He continued his scheming, diligently courting
popular favor and artfully turning every cause of dissatisfaction to
his own advantage. Day by day this man of noble appearance could
be seen at the city gate, where a disgruntled crowd waited to present
their wrongs for remedy. Absalom listened, expressing sympathy
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