SONG (Heb. shîr, shîrâh). Singing played a prominent part in the worship and national life of the Hebrews. The first song in the Bible was sung by Lamech (Gen.4.23-Gen.4.24). It was not uncommon for the Jews to compose a song celebrating some special victory or religious experience that was significant (Exod.15.1-Exod.15.27). The Psalter has been designated “The Song Book of Israel,” and it contains many kinds of songs. The music to which these songs were sung has been lost, but it was undoubtedly similar to that of the Jews and Arabs today—plaintive, limited in compass, and marked by emphasis in rhythm.