Definition and Significance:
"Fire from Heaven" is a biblical phenomenon where God manifests His power and presence through the descent of fire from the sky. This divine act serves as a demonstration of God's authority, judgment, and approval. Throughout the Scriptures, fire from heaven is a recurring motif that underscores God's sovereignty and His direct intervention in human affairs.

Old Testament Instances:

1. Sodom and Gomorrah:
One of the earliest instances of fire from heaven is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 19:24 , it is recorded, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens." This act of divine judgment was a response to the grievous sins of the cities, serving as a warning against wickedness.

2. Elijah on Mount Carmel:
In 1 Kings 18:38 , the prophet Elijah calls upon God to demonstrate His power over the prophets of Baal. "Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench." This miraculous event affirmed the LORD as the true God and led the people to repentance.

3. Elijah and the Captains:
In 2 Kings 1:10-12 , Elijah calls down fire from heaven to consume two groups of fifty men sent by King Ahaziah. Elijah declares, "If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!" This act confirmed Elijah's prophetic authority and God's protection over His servants.

4. Dedication of the Temple:
During the dedication of Solomon's Temple, fire from heaven consumed the burnt offering and sacrifices, signifying God's acceptance. 2 Chronicles 7:1 states, "When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple."

New Testament Reference:

1. Sons of Thunder:
In Luke 9:54 , James and John, the sons of Zebedee, ask Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy a Samaritan village that rejected Him. Jesus rebukes them, highlighting a shift from judgment to grace in His ministry: "And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, 'Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?'"

Theological Implications:

Fire from heaven is a powerful symbol of God's holiness and justice. It serves as a reminder of His ability to judge sin and vindicate His name. In the Old Testament, it often accompanies significant moments of covenantal affirmation and divine intervention. In the New Testament, the concept is reinterpreted through the lens of Christ's mission of mercy and redemption, emphasizing the transformative power of grace over judgment.

Conclusion:
While the phenomenon of fire from heaven is less frequent in the New Testament, its presence in the Old Testament underscores the continuity of God's character as both just and merciful. The instances of fire from heaven throughout the Bible reveal a God who is actively involved in the world, demonstrating His power and calling His people to righteousness.