The answer is: Locusts

Joel 2:9 - Part of Joel's prophecy detailing the judgements upon the land of Judah

In the book of Joel, this vivid imagery of locusts crashing through the windows "like a thief" captures the sudden and devastating invasiveness of these creatures. It's like an unannounced guest who certainly leaves havoc in their wake! In Joel’s time, locusts were more than just a nuisance; they were synonymous with calamity. The devastation they wrought on crops meant famine and hardship, which is why Joel likens their arrival to a thieving intruder snatching away prosperity and security.

Further emphasizing this point of intrusion, the Jewish tradition often sees windows as a symbol of invitation or perception. When calamity appears unbidden, it's as if life views its window to happiness and bounty being shattered—hence the dramatic metaphor. The book of Joel is rich with calls for repentance, reminding the reader that calamity can function as a chance for reflection and renewal.

Interestingly, locusts serve as a running motif in ancient texts; the plagues of locusts in Exodus amplify the sense of divine judgment within the Hebrew Bible. This idea parallels contemporary natural disasters that force communities to reconsider human conduct in relation to the divine. Similar imagery appears in various other cultures, demonstrating how such natural phenomena evoke deep reflections about life, reliance, and the importance of living in harmony with one another and our surroundings. By paying attention to themes from Joel and other texts, we can better appreciate both Scripture’s calls for reflection and restorative change in our lives today.