Ascribe ye strength unto God - literally, “give.” That is, Acknowledge him as a God of power. Recognise his omnipotence in your worship. See the notes at Psalms 29:1.
His excellency is over Israel - His majesty; his glory; his protecting care. The idea is, that his glorious character - his majesty - was manifested particularly in his protection of his people.
And his strength is in the clouds - Margin, “heavens.” The Hebrew word rather means “clouds.” The idea is, that while his character as Protector was evinced particularly in his care of his people, his “power” was particularly seen in the clouds - the storm - the thunder - the lightning. Thus, all the manifestations of his character, alike in nature, and toward his people, are adapted to produce a deep and solemn impression in regard to his majesty and glory, or to lay the just foundation of praise.