It is perhaps important to read the first sentence of verse 16 prior to verse 15. The reason is that it helps the reader understand why Ammon spoke. In most cultures with a king, or some similarly high position for the ruler, it is common that the king speaks first. That custom is at least implied in that Ammon, and certainly everyone else, had been silent for a very long time. Knowing that he spoke under inspiration, and that the inspiration also revealed the reason for the king’s silence, allowed Ammon to both speak and to say the words that would move the tense situation to an important and positive resolution.
What Ammon answers is: “Behold, I am a man, and am thy servant.” Certainly most people do not think it important to mention that they are human as part of addressing a king, but Ammon understood at least the fear that led Lamoni to wonder if Ammon were “more than a man” (see verse 2 in this chapter). Ammon knew, through inspiration, that Lamoni had the wrong impression of Ammon and the wrong reason that Ammon could do what he had done at the waters of Sebus. Declaring “I am a man” diffused the reason that Lamoni was fearful that Ammon had come to harm him. Ammon declared just the opposite. He was there to serve. The implication was that he was not there to exact vengeance.