The answer is: Isaac ate of his venison

Genesis 25:28 - Isaac favored Esau because he enjoyed the game that Esau hunted. This preference is notable as it contrasts with Rebekah's love for Jacob, filling the narrative with tension and themes of familial favoritism that lead to a significant conflict in their story (Genesis 27).

In the tale of Jacob and Esau's quarrelsome sibling dynamics, the reason behind Isaac's affection for Esau adds an intriguing flavor to the narrative. Love, especially in families, can take many forms—sometimes all too human, marked by personal preferences and interests. Isaac’s love for Esau stems from his love for what Esau brought to the table, literally! While Rebekah nurtured a bond with Jacob, perhaps appreciating his cleverness and quiet nature, Isaac enjoyed the fruits of Esau’s hunting exploits.

Did you know that venison—the meat from a deer—is often highlighted throughout the Bible as a coveted delicacy? It symbolizes not only a provider's skill but also a manifestation of status. This culinary motif beautifully reflects how our physical needs can sometimes cloud our emotional judgments. Enjoying good venison may have made Isaac’s favoritism easier to digest, leading to irreversible consequences in their family dialogue.

This conflict of favor as seen in the story echoes in many later biblical texts, showcasing that favoritism can incite rivalries. Take the story of Joseph and his brothers for another noteworthy instance of how favoritism can fester into family discord.

In essence, this dynamic teaches us an enlightening lesson on the nature of familial relationships: Love influenced by personal gain can blind us, for love that truly nurtures needs to consider each person’s value and worth equally.