Commentary Par XX 40-42

Some think the words suo consiglio (his own thought) refer to the 'thought' of the Holy Spirit; most, to that of David (as is reflected in our translation).

The question of the 'merit' of David's song disturbs some readers.  See, for instance, Tozer (DDP Tozer.Par.XX.40-42), pointing out that David could benefit only insofar as his song proceeded from his own free will (and thus was not the effect of inspiration, in which case it would not, as the text suggests, in itself make him worthy of salvation).  However, is David's worthiness not similar to the unexpressed claim for his own 'merit' that Dante might have considered most convincing?  He presents himself as the 'new David' from the outset (see [Inf I 65]), that is, as a man directly inspired by God to lift his eyes from worldly distraction.  In Dante's mind, there does not seem to be any limitation on the freedom of his will imposed thereby.