1 Kings 11:15

when David was in Edom The time alluded to is the period of David's conquests (2 Samuel 8:14), when it is said that all Edom became his servants. The LXX. says -when David destroyed Edom," which was perhaps the fact, as this verse shews, but is not stated in the earlier history. He conquered the land, and put garrisons of his own men throughout it.

and Joab the captain of the host was gone up to bury the slain On Joab, see 1 Kings 1:7. The slain were the Israelites who had fallen in David's war with Edom. To bury these the captain of the host was appointed, and he abode after that work was over, till all were cut off, or driven away, from whom there could be any fear of resistance.

after he had smitten every male in Edom This can only mean, as just stated, those persons who were likely to rebel against Israel. The narrative in 2 Samuel 8:14 implies that those who submitted were left, and put under tribute to Israel.