David was cursed

Today, we continue with the story of David in 2 Samuel 15-17.
After an exile of 3 years in Geshur (2 Samuel 13:38), Absalom returned to Jerusalem with the help from Joab who knew the heart of David (2 Samuel 14:1). David did not see him for two full years (2 Samuel 14:28).  Absalom was later summoned by David after Joab had spoken to him and the king kissed Absalom (2 Samuel 14:33).
Within 4 years, Absalom was able to steal the hearts of the men of Israel (2 Samuel 15:6). He was a very beautiful and patient man. He waited for two years before he killed Amnon, the brother who had raped Tamar, his sister (2 Samuel 13:23). He went into exile for 3 years and after return, waited for 2 more years before he saw David. Now, 4 more years had gone by and he was ready to usurp David's throne. So, after all killing Amnon was not so much for the revenge of Tamar, but the elimination of a contender for the throne. Eleven years had passed before he sprang into action. Absalom went to Hebron to offer sacrifice to the Lord. He also sent for Ahithophel, David's counsellor from his city Giloh. "And the conspiracy grew strong, and the people with Absalom kept increasing" (2 Samuel 15:12). Absalom was intended to beat David at his own game.
When a messenger told David that "the hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom", David did not put up a fight and fled Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:14)! Was David too old to put up a fight? Did he so love Absalom as to refuse to fight with him head on? Did he try to avoid a civil war and bloodshed among the people? Or did David try to fight his battle outside Jerusalem, his city where the Ark of God was housed? What was the military position of David? First of all, David strategically "... left ten concubines to keep the house" (2 Samuel 15:16b).
I suppose 'the hearts of the men of Israel' means those of the northern tribes. David still had the loyalty of his army at his disposal. Even a newly arrived Ittai, the Gittite, vowed for David's life "As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be" (2 Samuel 15:21). When Abiathar, Zadok and the Levites carried the Ark of God to follow David, David sent them back. The Ark should remain in Jerusalem. "Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his habitation; but if he says, 'I have no pleasure in you,' behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him" (2 Samuel 15:25-26). The Ark legitimized David's reign. If David 'kidnapped' it in his exile, making the Ark his personal possession, the Ark would lose its legitimization function in the future. David was able to keep his head cool in times of turmoil. Moreover, Zadok and Abiathar would act as David's ears and eyes in Jerusalem, informing David of Absalom's every movement. David was further assisted by Hushai the Archite, known as David's friend, to foil the counsel of Ahithophel for Absalom.
When David reached Bahurim, a man of the family of the house of Saul, Shimei, came out to curse him and throw stones at David and his company. "Begone, begone, you man of blood, you worthless fellow! The LORD has avenged upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and the LORD has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your ruin is on you; for you are a man of blood" (2 Samuel 16:7-8). David said to his men, "Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has bidden him. It may be that the LORD will look upon my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for this cursing of me today" (2 Samuel 16:11-12). David had a guilty conscience. He saw all these events as God's punishment and understood that he had to receive them without complaint in order to expiate his sins, to cleanse his heart. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. These were the qualities David mostly needed at the moment. After God's rejection, Saul pressed Samuel to be present in the cultic rite at which he officiated in front of the elders. Saul still wanted to save his face and throne. On the contrary, David was willing to be cursed by Shimei, to give up his throne to Absalom. Surely, David had won God's mercy.
The first piece of advice Ahithophel gave to Absalom was to violate David's concubines openly so that "the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened" (2 Samuel 16:21). Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. In following Ahithophel's advice, Absalom would not see God. In the unfolding battle, Absalom rejected Ahithophel's plan and accepted Hushai's. Absalom was killed when his beautiful long hair got entangled in an oak tree. Rejected, Ahithophel returned home and hanged himself. When David returned, he spared the life of Shimei. He regained his throne, but lost his son. The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, "O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Samuel 19:4).

My God, I am a sinner. Grant me a chance that I may mourn my heart out. Purge it pure that I may see You face to face in eternity. Amen.