Why Israel Stumbled and the Gentiles Believed
Romans 9:30–33 (NLT)
Why Israel Stumbled and the Gentiles Believed
Romans 9:30–33 (NLT)
30 What does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God’s standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place. 31 But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. 32 Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path. 33 God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said,
“I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble,
a rock that makes them fall.
But anyone who trusts in him
will never be disgraced.”
Message
Paul describes an ironic situation that the Gentiles, who were not trying to follow God’s standards, were made right with God by faith while the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded (30, 31).
Why not? Paul answers:
Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path (32). This was foretold in Isaiah 8:14 and 28:16.
Isaiah 8:14 (NLT)
14 He will keep you safe.
But to Israel and Judah
he will be a stone that makes people stumble,
a rock that makes them fall.
And for the people of Jerusalem
he will be a trap and a snare.
Isaiah 28:16 (NLT)
16 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem,
a firm and tested stone.
It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on.
Whoever believes need never be shaken.
Israel stumbled because they sought righteousness through the law instead of trusting in the One God had placed in Zion. The stone meant to be their foundation became a stumbling stone. But the same stone is a firm and tested cornerstone for all who believe. Whoever trusts in Him will never be disgraced.
