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Israel pursued the law of righteousness but missed it (v.31). It is called law of righteousness because it showed the Israelites how to maintain the right relationship with God that was previously granted to them. Why did they miss it? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. The phrase “as if it were” indicates their misunderstanding. They observed the law in order to put God under obligation to them. By insisting on their own way, they stumbled over Christ.
In 10:1-21 Paul explains the summary statement of 9:30-33. The zeal of Israel was not based on knowledge. They did not know God’s way of granting the good standing of right relationship with him. They sought to achieve it in their own way and did not submit to God’s way (10:2-3). Paul explains this in v.4. Christ is the goal, the intention, and the real meaning (telos, niv end) of the law. Since the law points to Christ, righteousness is available to everyone who believes in him.
In 10:5-13 Paul explains v.4. The law says, “The man who does these things will live by them” (10:5; cf. Lev 18:5). Christ did fulfill the law, and he earned the status of righteousness and eternal life for himself and those who will believe in him (vv.6-13). Vv.6-13 demonstrate that the Gospel of righteousness by faith is included in the law. The quotation, “Do not say in your heart” (v.6), is from Dt 8:17 and 9:4, which warn against presumptuous boasting in one’s own achievement, merit, and which exhort trust in the Lord. This is completely in harmony with the righteousness by faith.
The rest of the quotation in 10:6-8 is from Dt 30:12-14, which states that the Israelites do not have to go to heaven or cross the sea to get the law. It has been given to them. Paul identifies this law with the message of righteousness by faith (v.8). Vv.9-10 give the content of this word of faith. Believing and confessing Jesus the Lord leads to salvation. Vv.11 and 13 quote Isa 28:16 and Joel 2:32 to substantiate this.
To call upon the name of the Lord (10:13), four conditions must be met: (1) Someone is sent, (2) someone preaches, (3) they hear, and (4) they believe (10:14-15a). The first condition has been met. There are those who bring good news (v.15b). The second has been met. The message has been proclaimed through the word of Christ (v.17). The third has been met (v.18b). Israel has heard and understood the message (vv.19b-20). The point of these OT quotations is this: If Gentiles, who are spiritually underprivileged, have come to know, surely Israel must have come to know the message. The fourth condition is not met. Israel has not believed (v.16). Therefore, Israel is clearly without excuse! v.21 concludes by quoting Isa 65:2 to bring Israel’s rebellion into sharp focus, and at the same time, it sounds a note of hope.