Sisera lay down and Jael covered him with some sort of blanket or rug. The Hebrew word translated “mantle” occurs only here in the Bible, and its exact meaning is unknown. The context, nevertheless, shows that it describes a covering.

The words suggest probable suspicion, which Jael sought to allay.

Heber was probably away from home, leaving his wife Jael in charge of the tent encampment. Servants may already have brought word that Jabin’s army commander was approaching on foot. Perhaps word of the Hebrew victory had preceded Sisera’s coming. Inasmuch as there were peaceful relations between the Kenites and the Canaanites, Sisera would naturally expect to find sustenance and rest among the Kenites.