What does Psalm 118:18 mean?

Much of this psalm seems to be a poetic expression of the nation of Israel. Passages referring to the psalmist's victories (Psalm 118:10–17) fit the patterns of Israel's history. God's discipline was also part of that record. When the nation failed to honor their God, they suffered consequences to correct their errors (Judges 2:16–19). Eventually, the people drifted so far from the Lord that He sent them into captivity and exile (Jeremiah 25:8–11; 2 Chronicles 36:17–21).

Yet, in those times, God had not abandoned His chosen people. The nation was not erased, nor all of its people killed. Instead, God preserved the people and eventually brought them back to their land (Ezra 1:1–3; 2:1–2; 3:1–2, 8). This was certainly severe discipline. But a caring Father corrects and redirects His children for their own benefit (Psalm 94:12; Hebrews 12:5–9).