Setar (H5642) is an Aramaic verb appearing in the book of Ezra (4:15, 5:12) meaning to destroy or demolish. It describes the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. The Aramaic sections of Ezra contain this diplomatic vocabulary used in Persian royal correspondence.
The Aramaic letters preserved in Ezra represent one of the Bible's most fascinating historical windows — diplomatic correspondence between Samaritan opponents and Persian kings, and between Jewish leaders and the throne. Setar appears when enemies argue that Jerusalem was a rebellious city 'that was destroyed' for this reason (Ezra 4:15). Ironically, they cite God's judgment as evidence against reconstruction. Yet God's answer to demolition is always reconstruction: the same city that was destroyed becomes the site of the Second Temple, and ultimately the new Jerusalem. What God tears down He rebuilds in greater glory.