Reading through Romans-Cast off because of righteousness through the law

Paul emphasizes the reason why Israel seems cast off from God's goodness and righteousness: Because they did not seek it by faith.

Romans 9:32-33 "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. 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."

a. Because they did not seek it by faith: We might expect Paul to answer the question "Why?" again from God's perspective, and simply throw the matter back on the sovereign choosing of God. Instead, he places the responsibility with Israel: Because they did not seek it by faith … they stumbled at that stumbling stone.

i. Paul has already shown in Romans that the only possible way to be saved is through faith, not the works of the law; and that this salvation comes only through the work of a crucified Savior - which was a stumbling block to Israel (1 Corinthians 1:22-23).

b. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone: So, Paul shows that Israel is responsible for their present condition. Has Paul contradicted everything he has previously said, which emphasized God's sovereign plan? Of course not, he simply presents the problem from the other side of the coin - the side of human responsibility, instead of the side of God's sovereign choice.

Dear Holy God, I thank you for YOUR righteousness!  I submit my pride and desire to work for your approval to You and lay my filthy works at your feet so that I can trust in the righteousness of Christ alone for my eternal life!