What dispensation is Israel in at the time of the Amalekite battle?
At the time of the Amalekite battle, Israel is not in the dispensation of grace. God is still dealing directly with the nation of Israel, and they are shortly to come under the law. This is a pre-law period, not grace.
Les explains that back at this time, Israel is not in grace. God is still dealing directly with the nation of Israel, and shortly they will be under law. The Amalekites, descendants of Esau, were continuous enemies of Israel. They attacked because of the abundant water God provided from the rock. Les applies this as a picture of the flesh warring against the spiritual: just as a person becomes born again and partakes of living water, the old flesh begins war, and the Amalekites picture that fleshly opposition.