Final answer:
Joseph was likely favored by his father due to the death of his beloved mother Rachel, which created a strong bond between him and his grieving father.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason Joseph became the special object of his father's love and favor was probably because of the death of his mother, Rachel, whom Jacob loved so much. In biblical accounts, Jacob's affection for Rachel was significant, and Joseph, being Rachel's son, likely became the recipient of his father's profound grief and love after her passing. Indeed, the narratives often depict a deep bond between Joseph and his father, which can stem from the special place Rachel held in Jacob's heart.