Hem was one of the valiant sixteen men chosen by King Mosiah to embark on a dangerous expedition to find the group of Nephites who had left centuries before under the leadership of Zeniff. This mission, carried out in approximately 121 BC, aimed to retrieve information about Zeniff’s colony, which had settled in the land of Lehi-Nephi and had not been heard from for many years. Hem, along with Amaleki, Helem, and the brother of King Mosiah, Ammon, led the expedition deeper into potentially hostile territories (Mosiah 7:6).
Upon arriving in the land of Lehi-Nephi, Hem and his three companions were immediately seized and imprisoned under the suspicion of being spies. However, their true identities and intentions were eventually disclosed to King Limhi, the local ruler and a descendant of Zeniff. After Limhi realized they were fellow Nephites from Zarahemla and not enemies, Hem and his companions were released from captivity (Mosiah 7:7-8). They would later play integral roles in devising a strategy with King Limhi that successfully led to the escape of the Nephite colonists from Lamanite oppression, thus bringing to fruition the primary objective of their mission (Mosiah 7:9-25; Mosiah 22). Hem’s involvement in this pivotal event demonstrated his loyalty, courage, and determination in the face of adversity.