I Don't Believe in Praying for Heathen Rulers to Die and Go to Hell

I was thinking about how some Baptist preachers are indeed quack preachers. I remembered Steven Anderson actually dared to pray that Barack Obama would die and go to Hell. But this is not what the Bible says about how we should approach authorities. 

Romans 13:1-7 

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Paul wrote that letter during the time of Emperor Nero who was indeed a godless person. We are to pray for our rulers. He didn't encourage Christians to be in rebellion against a wicked tyrant. This would also remind us of the story of Daniel and his three friends during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar which can be found in Daniel 1 - 5. What did Daniel and his friends do with a wicked king? They submitted to him and they were willing to submit to whatever punishment was there. They politely refused any ungodly command without throwing in a rebellion. Daniel 3 showed us how to politely turn down evil rulers which would also include being willing to accept punishment if need be.

What can you do when the ruler of the nation is a Nebuchadnezzar? Follow the example of Daniel. One may also think of following the example of Mordecai during the reign of King Xerxes. Mordecai civilly disobeyed the command the worship Haman and told them that he was a Jew (Esther 3:2). Christians are to disobey any ungodly command while remaining respectful to authority. It would be like paying taxes and following rules as much as possible except any command in contrast to God's law. This would also mean to continue praying for that wicked ruler's salvation instead of that person going to Hell.

But what about in some cases like the Book of Judges or Athaliah? Athaliah's reign was illegitimate to start with. The Book of Judges involved deliverers that God has brought to free Israel from an illegitimate takeover. God would eventually choose the time of deliverance. Yet, God at times will allow wicked rulers to punish a nation for a reason.