Although modern readers may see the king as offering an extravagant bribe for his life, it is possible that Ammon’s vanquishing of the old king meant that he could easily have had the entire kingdom. This is no small thing; the old king had sovereignty over several cities. Even half would be control over and tribute from at least a significant number of cities.
In a repeat of his response to Lamoni’s offer, Ammon rejects power or wealth and asks only for the opportunity to free his brethren and teach the gospel.