The simple reading of these verses is that the Lord tells Nephi to construct a ship. It is more interesting than that. The Lord speaks to Nephi, but doesn’t say any more than that he should “arise, and get thee into the mountain.” The implication is certainly that the Lord has something to say, but why couldn’t he say it the first time?
Going to the mountain was significant. It is particularly significant considering that Nephi is constructing his story so that there are parallels to Israel’s story. Three months after the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt, Moses went up the mountain to speak with Jehovah (Exodus 19:1-3). The nature of the message is different, but Nephi sees the location as important, and makes sure that the parallel of a leader of a family in exodus goes up on a mountain to speak with God. It is a continuation of the trajectory that shows Nephi becoming the ruler and teacher not only of his brothers, but of the whole family. A prophet is not only a prophet for his own people, but even for those who do not accept him.
These verses help us understand that Nephi was familiar with metalworking. That could only have been true if it were part of the family business, which contributes to our understanding of Lehi as a metalsmith. Nephi doesn’t ask how he could make tools, but only where to find the necessary ore. Jehovah tells him, and he obtains the ore.