Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 9:32

"Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the stone of stumbling;" — Romans 9:32 (ASV)

For they stumbled.—The word "For," in this clause, should be omitted, and the two clauses combined, the words "of the law" also being removed—resulting in: "Because (seeking righteousness), not by faith, but as if of works, they stumbled..."

That stumblingstone.—Christ. When Christianity, with the justification by faith which goes with it, was offered to them, they "were offended," and refused it.