The fact is that Fir’on elevated himself in the land and divided its people into groups, one group of which he persecuted, putting their sons [newborn] to death and sparing only their females. Indeed he was one of the mischief-makers.
Meaning:-
Elevate: to raise or make higher in some respect, to promote, raise to a more important or impressive level.
Persecuted: to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict.