Romans 9:30 to Romans 10:4. Paul has discussed the Jewish situation as from God's side; he proceeds to point out, from man's side, the Cause of Israel's Stumbling. This chs. 3- 5 have prepared us to understand.
Romans 9:30-32 a. The paradox is that Gentiles, who were out of the way of righteousness, have obtained it; while Israel, intent upon a law of righteousness, missed the mark, because it rejected the way of faith (which Gentiles took), preferring that of works. In other words (Romans 10:3), Israel wanted to set up its own righteousness (cf. Php_3:6; Php_3:9) and did not recognise nor submit to God's righteousness.
Romans 9:32 b, Romans 9:33. They stumbled at the old stumbling-block marked in Isaiah 8:14; Isaiah 28:16 the demand for trust in God as the basis of salvation.
Romans 10:1 f. So Paul's good-will and prayers (cf. Romans 9:16), and Israel's unquestioned zeal for God, are unavailing. Their zeal lacks knowledge though the Jew prides himself on this (Romans 2:18 f.)!
Romans 10:3. This ignorance is bound up with self-conceit and insubordination (cf. Romans 2:4; also John 8:19; John 8:55, etc.). On the righteousness of God, see Romans 1:17 *, Romans 3:22; Romans 3:26 *.
Romans 10:4. The Jews deem the Mosaic system eternal; they fail to discern the end of the law (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:13-16; Hebrews 7:18 f., etc.) in Christ, who, revealing God's righteousness, imparts righteousness to every believer. end: i.e. terminus and goal; see Galatians 2:19; Galatians 3:24; Matthew 5:17; Luke 16:16.