His experience was such that he knew that most of those who were fleeing to Harosheth-hagoyim would be caught and killed. He therefore sees his only real chance of survival in running on foot and keeping a low profile until the mop-up operation is over. So rather than heading back to his base, he opts for the Kenite encampment. He is probably banking on the peace
that he had helped establish between the house of Heber
and King Jabin. He is not just any common fugitive. The Kenites know him for who he is, and are aware that he can reward them richly should they succeed in hiding him. Buoyed by these not unrealistic expectations Sisera approaches the cluster of tents that comprise the Kenite encampment.
1
17 But Sisera fled away on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.