In Alma 18:2 we come across a verse that gives the textual story symbolic significance:
And when they had all testified to the things which they had seen, and [the king] had learned of the faithfulness of Ammon in preserving his flocks, and also of his great power in contending against those who sought to slay him, he was astonished exceedingly, and said: Surely, this is more than a man. Behold, is not this the Great Spirit . . .
Robert Hales notes that some may read this [account of Ammon] as a story about some shepherds trying to round up some missing sheep, but the messge is much more powerful and significant than that. Ammon was a missionary with noble intentions to bring the king and his kingdom back to the fold of righteousness, to the well of living water. The challenge looked daunting to round them up. They were discouraged and fearful that the king would discover their loss. Ammon not only led the force to recapture the sheep, he drove away the evil men who caused the problems; and his heroic efforts persuaded the king to follow him and to follow the Savior. [Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 1997, p. 82, as quoted in Doug Basset, Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon, p. 163]
The name "Ammon" (Amon) is a deity name, and can be applied to Christ the Lord. [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes]