Amalickiah has been appraised by some theologians as a narrative mirror to Ammon and as an inversion of other heroes within the Book of Mormon, notably Captain Moroni.

After Moroni raises an army to halt the attempted coup, Amalickiah escapes to the land of Nephi, located in Lamanite territory, with a significantly reduced group of supporters.

"[12] In a 1991 address to the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, Allen J. Christenson continues this thread of argument by pointing out that the Book of Alma describes the Lamanites' "terror" at the death of their king at the beginning of the New Year.

Christenson, a specialist on Mayan culture, compares this further to Maya preferences to commence combat operations in either the beginning of the New Year or the end of the old one.

'"[14] David L. Rockwood and J. Gordon Daines III, in an article for the academic journal Religious Educator, use Amalickiah and Captain Moroni to develop this theme.

Rockwood and Daines conclude that both were presented as highly effective leaders, although they express concern about Amalickiah's predisposition for violence and selfishness.

Davis further notes that Amalickiah's apparent disregard for the safety of the Lamanite citizenry matches with the Book of Mormon's negative portrayal of wars of ambition.

[16] According to Latter-day Saint theologian and philosopher Joseph M. Spencer, the structure of the Book of Alma sets Amalickiah up as a narrative mirror to Ammon.

Salleh and Olsen Hemmings suggest that an early reference to "Amalickiah's physique" sets him apart as narratively opposed to similarly described heroes (e.g. Nephi, son of Lehi).

The preceding syllables resemble the name Amaleki, which according to Hugh Nibley, a prominent Latter-day Saint intellectual and apologist, simply means "my king" in Hebrew.