Romans 9:30-33

³⁰ What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith;

³¹ but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.

³² Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.

³³ As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

Quote from Isaiah 8:14 — And He shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. (Israel fears an alliance of her enemies, Egypt and Syria.

And from Isaiah 28:16 — Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Israel trusted Egypt for her deliverance from the Assyrians instead of relying on God.

Law of righteousness — the principle of pursuing righteousness by keeping a law — thinking righteousness will result from keeping the law. “As it were” — they sought it by works

Stumbling stone — Christ, the Messiah (seen by use of the article “Him.”)

Offense = trap, the part where the bait was put. Anything that causes a hindrance or prejudice. That makes people fall, as unbelievers do upon Christ.

Israel stumbled by refusing to trust Christ but continuing to pursue righteousness by works.

But Israel, seeking to obtain the righteousness of the law, did not obtain it. Why? Because they sought it by works rather than by faith (verses 31-32). Mark well, the Apostle does not say that they had failed to obtain righteousness because God had not elected them to salvation, but because they had sought to gain it by works rather than by faith. This is important, appearing as it does, at the close of such a chapter as Romans 9. — Stam, page 235.