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).

Isaac's love for Esau primarily stemmed from those tasty dishes Esau prepared from his hunting trips. It's a classic case of the undeniable bond formed over shared meals—one we often experience today! Imagine this: Isaac, comfortably reclining, feasting on savory venison, probably talked fondly with Esau about grand hunting tales. On the other hand, Jacob, the quieter, studious type, may have frequently stayed with their mother, Rebekah, learning how to cook and probably mastering her delicious recipes.

This sibling rivalry brings an edge to our understanding of family dynamics. The tension created by Isaac’s favoritism sets up not just fateful events in the family's history, but signals a broader theme of conflict—one familiar to many of us who multitask between our considerable roles at home and in anything we venture outside it. The struggle between Jacob and Esau symbolizes age-old conflicts we still see in society today: tradition versus transformation, instinct versus curiosity.

It's also intriguing to see the repetition of the number 12 within this narrative, which echoes throughout the Bible in various forms. Jacob becomes Israel and begets the twelve tribes, a foundational aspect of Jewish history. This genealogy of conflict leading to emergence can be found threaded through many other Bible stories. So next time you think of family feuds, remember Isaac, Esau, and Jacob—history’s own Tornado of Sorting Priorities!