1)
Who asked whom?
1.
Rashi: He asked Hashem.
2)
Why did he say "before I die"?
1.
Malbim: Before I die death of the Nefesh, lest I be drawn from the way of Emunah, to be drawn after the ways of philosophers, who weave spider webs (the most flimsy material) and they see false visions and vanities.
