Ammon, a strong and influential figure in Nephite history, was appointed by King Mosiah around 121 B.C. to lead an expedition from the land of Zarahemla to the land of Lehi-Nephi. His mission was to inquire after a group of Nephites who had left Zarahemla under the leadership of Zeniff. Upon arrival in the land of Nephi, Ammon and his companions, Amaleki, Helem, and Hem, were initially mistaken for enemies and imprisoned by the local Lamanite-controlled government under King Limhi. After explaining their peaceful intentions and lineage from the Nephites in Zarahemla, Ammon and his group were released and received with joy by the people of Limhi (Mosiah 7:6-14).
During his time with Limhi’s people, Ammon educated them on the happenings in Zarahemla since the time of Zeniff’s departure, including the profound words of the late King Benjamin, Mosiah’s father. Ammon was also instrumental in explaining the concept of seership after he was shown ancient Jaredite records found by Limhi’s people, emphasizing the spiritual gifts of being able to reveal past and future events (Mosiah 8:13-18). Acknowledging his unworthiness, Ammon declined to perform baptisms, showcasing his humility despite his capability as a leader and servant of God (Mosiah 21:33).
Demonstrating his wisdom and leadership, Ammon formulated a plan to liberate Limhi’s people from Lamanite subjugation. He succeeded in leading them through subterfuge, out of bondage, and back to the land of Zarahemla (Mosiah 22:11-13), where they were reunited with the Nephites and Limhi’s people were eventually baptized by Alma the Elder (Mosiah 25:16-18). Noted not only for his physical strength, Ammon’s legacy as a deliverer of his people and his unwavering faith in God has been recognized throughout Nephite record.