What does the Bible say about Paul's sorrow for Israel?

In Romans 9:1-5, Paul articulates his profound sorrow and heaviness of heart for his fellow Israelites who have rejected Jesus Christ as their Messiah. This sorrow is not superficial; Paul desires for their salvation so intensely that he states he could wish himself accursed if it would lead to their redemption. His love for them is indicative of his own deep understanding of the grace he has received, and he grieves over their inability to see that the prophecies and sacrifices they revered pointed directly to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise.