Biblical Context:
The account of Jael killing Sisera is found in the Book of Judges, chapters 4 and 5. This event occurs during the period of the Judges, a time when Israel was ruled by a series of judges before the establishment of the monarchy. The narrative highlights the deliverance of Israel from the oppression of King Jabin of Canaan, whose army was led by the commander Sisera.

Key Figures:
· Jael: The wife of Heber the Kenite, Jael is a pivotal figure in the defeat of Sisera. Her actions are celebrated in the Song of Deborah (Judges 5), which extols her bravery and decisive role in the victory over the Canaanite forces.
· Sisera: The commander of King Jabin's army, Sisera is known for his military prowess and the oppression he inflicted upon the Israelites. His defeat marks a significant turning point in the struggle between Israel and Canaan.
· Deborah: A prophetess and judge of Israel, Deborah plays a crucial role in the narrative by providing leadership and guidance to Barak, the military leader of Israel.
· Barak: The Israelite military leader who, under Deborah's guidance, leads the forces of Israel against Sisera's army.

Narrative Summary:
The Israelites, oppressed by King Jabin of Canaan, cry out to the Lord for deliverance. Deborah, a prophetess and judge, summons Barak and instructs him to lead an army against Sisera. Barak agrees but insists that Deborah accompany him. Deborah consents, but prophesies that the honor of defeating Sisera will go to a woman.

As the battle unfolds, the Lord confuses Sisera's forces, leading to their defeat. Sisera flees on foot and seeks refuge in the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. Heber's family is at peace with King Jabin, so Sisera believes he is safe. Jael welcomes him, offers him milk, and covers him with a blanket. Exhausted, Sisera falls asleep.

Seizing the opportunity, Jael takes a tent peg and a hammer and drives the peg through Sisera's temple, killing him. When Barak arrives in pursuit, Jael shows him the dead body of Sisera, fulfilling Deborah's prophecy that a woman would claim the victory.

Theological Significance:
Jael's actions are seen as divinely orchestrated, demonstrating God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people through unexpected means. Her bravery and decisive action are celebrated in the Song of Deborah, which praises her above other women (Judges 5:24). This narrative underscores the theme of God's deliverance and the role of women in His redemptive plan.

Cultural and Historical Insights:
The Kenites, to whom Jael belonged, were a nomadic tribe with historical ties to Israel through Moses' father-in-law, Jethro. Despite their peaceful relations with the Canaanites, Jael's allegiance to the God of Israel is evident in her actions. The use of a tent peg, a common tool for a nomadic woman, highlights the resourcefulness and courage required to fulfill God's purposes.

Biblical Text (Judges 4:21):
"But Jael, Heber’s wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died."

Legacy:
Jael's deed is remembered as a pivotal moment in Israel's history, symbolizing the triumph of God's people over their oppressors. Her account is a testament to the unexpected ways in which God can use individuals to accomplish His will, regardless of their social status or gender.