The story follows the typical pattern of Judges, but the judge in this case is a woman. That’s unusual both in the Bible and in ancient times. Jael, another woman, is also prominent in the story, proof positive that God never viewed women as incapable! Judges 5:30 indicates that the oppression of women was a part of Sisera’s dominance of Israel. Perhaps God is teaching a lesson on how he protects the oppressed.
It’s a shame it takes oppression for the people to come to their senses about their relationship with God. We should pray we are not that stubborn!