Deuteronomy 33:11 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

His substance, i.e. his outward estate, as Deuteronomy 8:18, because he hath no inheritance of his own, and therefore wholly depends upon thy blessing. Or, his host or army, as the word is used Ezekiel 37:10. The priests that attended upon God's service in the tabernacle or temple are oft compared to an host or army in regard of their exquisite order and courses and constant watches there. See Numbers 4:3. The work of his hands, i.e. all his holy administrations, which he fitly calls the works of his hands; either more largely, the hand, one great instrument of action being put for all the rest; or because a great part of the service of the Levites and priests was done by the labour of their hand and body, whereas the service of evangelical ministers is more spiritual and heavenly. Smite through the loins of them that rise against him: he prays thus earnestly for them, partly because he foresaw they who were to teach, and admonish, and reprove, and chastise others would have many enemies, Jeremiah 15:10 Amos 5:10; and partly because they were, under God, the great preservers and upholders of religion, and their enemies were the enemies of religion itself; as is evident from the history of the Old Testament.