These are the words of admonishment that Salih conveyed to his people after Allah destroyed them for defying Him, rebelling against Him, refusing to accept the truth, avoiding guidance, and preferring misguidance instead. Salih said these words of admonishment and criticism to them after they perished, and they heard him (as a miracle for Prophet Salih from Allah). Similarly, it is recorded in the Two Sahihs that after the Messenger of Allah ﷺ defeated the disbelievers in the battle of Badr, he remained in that area for three days, and then rode his camel, which was prepared for him during the latter part of the night. He went on until he stood by the well of Badr (where the corpses of the disbelievers were thrown) and said,

(O Abu Jahl bin Hisham! O 'Utbah bin Rabi'ah! O Shaybah bin Rabi'ah! Did you find what your Lord has promised you (of torment) to be true, for I found what my Lord promised me (of victory) to be true.) 'Umar said to him, "O Allah's Messenger! Why do you speak to a people who have rotted?" He ﷺ said,

(By He in Whose Hand is my soul! You do not hear what I am saying better than they, but they cannot reply.)

Similarly, Prophet Salih, peace be upon him, said to his people,

("I have indeed conveyed to you the Message of my Lord, and have given you good advice,") but you did not benefit from it because you do not like the Truth and do not follow those who give you sincere advice,