Three Refuges

Tria refugia Domini habebant, id est, in monte, in deserto, et in mari. Exemplum nobis ad altiorem justitiam ascendere tamquam in monte; contemplativa sectari, tanquam in deserto; fugere, tanquam in mare. Sanctus Isidorus Hispalensis, De Veteri et Novo Testamento Quaestiones, Quaestio XXXVI Source: Migne PL 83.206b

The Lord had three refuges, that is, on the mountain, in the desert, and on the sea. This is an example to us to ascend to the height of righteousness, as to the mountain; to follow the contemplative life as, in the desert; to flee, as on the sea. Saint Isidore of Seville, Questions on the Old and New Testaments, from Question 36