There was no life left in Saul after he had been conquered. After the death of Saul, a man entered David's camp with his
clothes rent. He bore with him the crown (that was upon Saul's head) and the bracelet (that was upon his arm). He offered these to David, who was still standing. David - and his band of followers - rent their clothes in mourning. They wept not just for Saul (their king), but they also wept for Johnathan (his son), and they wept for the people (who believed in God), and they wept for the House of Isreal (because it had fallen).
When news of Saul's death first came, David was overcome with grief. Sorrow in his soul, he composed this lament for Saul, which has been included in the Psalms. David was a poet as well as a leader of men; The Book of Psalms is reputed to have been written (or compiled) by him. Even though many of the Psalms date from after David's death, they are generally attributed to him, he is believed to be their author.
The Old Testament is made up of many different kinds of writing: Historical records, Books of wisdom, Proverbs and poetry, Lives of individuals, Accounts of the prophets.
Though much of the Old Testament has been written in prose, some of it (The Book of Psalms) consists of poetry. Interestingly, the Psalms included in the Book of Psalms are numbered; that is, there are no titles or headings to these songs. These Psalms are well worth reading, if only for the beauty of their composition, and the depth of the feeling that they express. Hundred and fifty in number, these Psalms can be read over and over again. Selections from among the better known Psalms have been included:
< strong>Psalm 117
O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psalm 4
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
Psalm 6
1 O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
Psalm 8
O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
Psalm 9
I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Psalm 11
1 In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
Psalm 15
Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach
He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
Psalm 18
I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psalm 19
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
Psalm 20
The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
Psalm 27
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 38
O lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
Psalm 41
Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.