Weeping aloud is a response of extreme sorrow (see Genesis 21:16; Genesis 27:38; Judges 2:4; Judges 21:2; Ruth 1:9, Ruth 1:14; 1 Samuel 11:4; 2 Samuel 3:32; 2 Samuel 13:36; Job 2:12).1 He seems to have been struck by David’s deed of kindness and the fact that he had ruined his relationship/friendship with a loyal subject. Most likely, the tears of Saul were tears of self-pity rather than repentance2 since there would be no change in his behaviour toward David going forward.
16 As soon as David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept.