ויקרא, פרק ט׳, פסוק י״ג

After a seven-day inauguration period filled with practice and instruction from Moses, Aaron's sons finally step into their practical roles. They prepare the burnt offering according to the standard laws, carefully cutting it and bringing the pieces to their father [ביאור שטיינזלץ, פירושי רד צ הופמן].

The sequence of this presentation is unusual, as the animal's pieces are brought before the head, whereas the head is typically offered first. One approach suggests that the pieces are mentioned first simply because they outnumber the single head. However, another perspective offers a practical reason tied to the unique nature of this specific event. At this moment, the fire had not yet descended. Because of this, the order in which the parts were placed on the altar did not dictate the order in which they would actually burn. Aaron arranged the pieces first and then placed the head on top of them. This way, when the heavenly fire eventually came down from above, it would strike and consume the top parts first [העמק דבר].

Consequently, the act of offering the sacrifice on the altar during this sequence does not imply an immediate burning. Aaron merely arranged the parts on the wood. The actual consumption of the sacrifice was only completed later, waiting for the moment when the fire arrived from God to burn them [רשב״ם, העמק דבר].