According to Dr. Sami Hanna, an Egyptian who was especially schooled in the Arabic language, the word "curious" in 1 Nephi 18:1 referring to the workmanship of the timbers does not mean "strange" as many have presumed, but actually designates an instrument of "skilled" or "elegant" workmanship. [Brenton G. Yorgason, Little Known Evidences of the Book of Mormon, p. 36] [See the commentary on 1 Nephi 16:10]
“Curious Workmanship”
The term "curious workmanship" (1 Nephi 18:1) was an idiom used to denote objects of unusual design and superior craftsmanship. Such objects were curious in that it would be difficult for one untrained to understand how they were made [or "worked"]. Where did Nephi receive his instruction on how to build this curious ship? [Church Educational System, Book of Mormon Student Manual, Religion 121-122, 1981, pp. 46]
“Curious Workmanship”
According to Terrence Szink, it appears Nephi purposefully wrote his account in a way that would reflect the Exodus. While on the mountain, Nephi received detailed instruction concerning the ship he was to build, just as Moses received orders regarding the building of the tabernacle (see Exodus 25:1,8-9). In both cases a pattern was shown to the prophet, after which he was to build the structure. In both cases the purpose is mentioned. In both cases the workmanship was described as "curious" (1 Nephi 18:1). [Terrence L. Szink, "Nephi and the Exodus," in Rediscovering the Book of Mormon, pp. 46-47]
1 Nephi 18:1 I should work the timbers of the ship ([Illustration]): Large trees sixty to eighty feet high grow in abundance (in Wadi Sayq) starting about a half mile from the sea. Hardwood trees in the area include tamarindus, sycamore, and boscia. Timber would be needed for nearly every aspect of shipbuilding, including large amounts for the scaffolding and framework around the ship as well as for a large ramp for the ship to slide into the ocean. [Scot and Maurine Proctor, Light from the Dust, p. 51]
1 Nephi 18:1 I should work the timbers of the ship ([Illustration]): In Wadi Sayq) large timber trees offer abundant timber along the sides of the valley almost to the present seashore. Sycamore fig (Ficus Sycamorus) and tamarind (Tamarindus Indica) trees are the two most common species at Kharfot today. [Warren and Michaela Aston, In the Footsteps of Lehi, pp. 66-67]